1. Dental implants are best protected after the prosthesis, over it. Unlike other prosthesis, there can be fixed or removable. Varieties of permanent or fixed prosthesis are made as per the treatment planned. Permanent fixed prosthesis is fabricated by dental adhesives or screw. Whereas, removable ones can be removed, cleaned and then placed in the mouth, this requires your own hand to work on.
2. Dental implants act like your very own teeth, you can keep them clean by using soft bristle brush and no- abrasive toothpaste. Plaque is the bacterial film formed over the surface of the teeth. Brushing with toothpaste helps in preventing plaque formation. If the prosthesis is removable then it is to be kept in water containing denture cleaning tablets and can be used next morning, after washing it with plain water.
3. Proxa brush or any interdental brushes are also found to be effective to clean implants in the interdental area. These brushes come in different ranges varying from cost to shape and size. If the space is more in between the implants, normal sized is recommended and if the spacing is limited then a narrow size is recommended. In general, nylon brushes should be used as they are soft in nature.
4. Flossing is necessary in between the implanted teeth and in the area between the denture and the underlying ridge. Flossing can be done in a “shoeshine” motion to ensure safe and proper cleaning of the implant area.
5. Oral irrigator is recommended by the dentist for more precise cleaning. Oral irrigator or water pick is not the substitute for brushing or flossing. It removes the leftover minute food particles under the implant.
6. Make regular dental visits to get your implants checked. Be aware of signs and symptoms of infection with implant or implant failure.
7. As you get your implant surgery done, soft diet is recommended for next 24 hours. Hot tea or coffee is strictly to be avoided for some hours. Also, do not use straw to consume any drink as it will create a pressure on the site of surgery leading to bleed which will affect the healing.
8. Take care of eating habits like avoid eating hard food stuff, smoking and sticky foods. This will prevent plaque formation at the implant site. People with full mouth implants are suppose to chew in both the sides of jaw in order to maintain equal mastication forces while eating. Eating on one side will cause pressure over implants making the implant lose, gradually, sometimes can also break the implant.