What does it mean to take care of my new fixed dental prothesis?
How do I take care of my new teeth?
Should I brush them in the same way as natural ones? Or I don't need to brush them at all since they're not natural?
Is maintenance necessary? How often should I go to the dentist now? How long will my new teeth last?
If you have undergone a complete oral rehabilitation with the All-on-4® or All-on-6® technique, you now have a fixed dentures on your implants. Therefore, in addition to the questions you may have had regarding the procedure for implant placement, there are also those concerning the period after placement, at the end of the treatment. And the majority of questions about this post-implantation period revolve around the maintenance of the new teeth. Here are the answers to some questions you may have after a complete oral rehabilitation with implants and fixed teeth.
What is a fixed prosthesis on implants?
A fixed prosthesis supported on implants is like a set of false teeth; it has prosthetic gum tissue – which stays in your mouth all the time. Basically, it's the entire structure that is placed on your implants, including the teeth. This is called a "fixed prosthesis" because these teeth you do not remove every day, they are "fixed" to the structure of your implants.
This material informs you on how to take care of the prosthesis and implants in order to maintain the success of the treatment for as long as possible.
What is important to know?
The dental implants with which you replaced your missing teeth, restored your chewing and aesthetic function. However, it should be noted that both dental implants and fixed dentures require meticulous and regular care, as well as periodic check-ups at the dentist.
The lifespan of your new teeth
The lifespan of your fixed prosthesis depends closely on how you will maintain it, but also on your lifestyle (bruxism, onychophagia, consumption of very hard foods, etc.).
If maintenance and follow-up appointments are carried out diligently, the life of your implants and prostheses will be extended accordingly.
Recommendations for the hygiene and maintenance of implants and fixed prosthesis
While natural teeth have their own defense mechanisms with small ligaments, vessels and nerves, implants unfortunately don't. Therefore, the hygiene practices of implants deserve even more care and attention than those we give to natural teeth.
Hygiene after dental implants and fixed prosthesis is similar to the oral hygiene of natural teeth. A normal care ritual consists of: :
- Brush your teeth properly, at least twice a day;
- Use complementary means of cleaning your teeth, such as: mouthwash and dental water flosser;
- Regular check-ups at the dentist at least once a year.
Brushing your teeth
Brush your teeth daily, at least twice a day, preferably in the morning, after breakfast and in the evening, before going to bed. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, without abrasive. A thorough brushing should take 2-3 minutes.
Mouthwash
The oral hygiene routine after dental implants and fixed prosthesis also includes the use of mouthwashes. Mouthwash contains antiseptic substances that help you control the health of the oral cavity. After brushing your teeth, mouthwash is recommended 2 times a day, in the amount indicated on the product label or recommended by the dentist.
Dental Water Flosser
Hygiene after the dental implants using the dental irrigator is essential for a correct and complete cleaning. Thanks to the high-pressure pulsating water jets, the dental water flosser helps to remove food residue from the interdental areas.
Follow-up dental check-ups
In addition to the daily care routine mentioned above, a visit to the dentist should be carried out at least once a year. This visit will include the general control of the implants, as well as the professional cleaning of the prosthesis. During the follow-up appointment, the prosthesis will be removed and cleaned completely, the screws will be checked, the gum will be cleaned and descaled. Implant control or X-rays can be performed.
This annual check-up is mandatory if you want to maintain the success of your dental treatment for as long as possible.
