Cleaning Implant Supported Dentures

For many people who are missing teeth, implant supported dentures provide a comfortable, convenient solution that is much more stable and natural than traditional dentures. Unlike traditional dentures, implant supported dentures are fixed into the mouth, which prevents them from slipping or rubbing and interfering with clear speech and comfortable eating. Implant supported dentures also confer the added benefit of helping maintain the health of the jawbone. To maintain this benefit and ensure the longevity of your implant supported dentures, it’s imperative to maintain an effective oral hygiene routine. But what, exactly, does this mean? What does oral hygiene entail when it involves dental implants and an implant supported denture?

To answer this, it’s important to first note the variations among different kinds of implant supported dentures. All of these devices rely on surgically placed dental implants to hold them in place. However, some implant supported dentures snap into and out of place and are removed for cleaning and sleeping, while others are permanently fixed to the dental implants and can only be removed by a professional. These different types of dentures are cleaned differently.

Permanent implant supported dentures can be cleaned the same way the natural teeth are, by gently brushing with a soft toothbrush. Where there are attachments or other fixtures that make it difficult to reach certain areas, specialized interdental brushes can be used. Dentists also recommend rinsing the mouth regularly to loosen trapped food debris in these hard-to-reach areas. It’s especially important to gently brush the gumline, where bacteria can congregate, and to keep the soft tissues clean, either through brushing or rinsing. Maintaining the health of the gums is integral to the long-term success of dental implants, whether the implant supported dentures are removable or not.

While removable snap-in dentures are cleaned outside the mouth, it’s still imperative to gently brush the gums and oral tissues while the dentures are out, and it’s important to rinse the mouth frequently to help with food debris and bacteria. Ultimately, while there are more steps involved in cleaning removable implant supported dentures, with some careful attention, this straightforward process shouldn’t pose challenges.

To clean removable, snap-in dentures:

1. Remove the denture and rinse with tepid water, taking care to rinse away any food debris from the device
2. Brush the dentures with a soft toothbrush and cleanser designed for dentures
3. Store cleaned removable dentures in cleaning solution or warm water, in a covered container, while you sleep
4. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, carefully clean around any attachment abutments in the mouth with the dentures removed
5. Gently brush the gums and soft oral tissues to remove bacteria and plaque
6. Rinse your mouth with antimicrobial mouthwash or warm salt water after brushing

The health of the gums and bone helps keep dental implant posts firmly in place once they’re surgically implanted, and conscientious home hygiene practices are key to this long-term health. It’s also important to visit the dentist regularly, just as you would with natural teeth, for regular checkups and professional cleanings. Dental hygienists use specialized tools to clean and polish dental prosthetics without damaging them, and routine checkups are a great way to detect and eliminate destructive gum disease before it’s allowed to progress and affect the stability of the implants. These are just two great reasons to consistently visit your dentist when you have implant supported dentures.

Other ways to help maintain the longevity of implant supported dentures include avoiding hard or excessively sticky foods that might damage the prosthetic; avoiding smoking; limiting alcohol intake; and maintaining a balanced, healthy diet. Certain medical conditions can also exacerbate inflammation and encourage gum disease, so make sure to review your entire medical history with your dentist and work with your primary care provider to manage inflammatory conditions. Your dentist will review the specific details you need to make the most of your implant supported dentures, including providing careful instructions for cleaning and maintaining them. Follow these instructions to ensure you’re optimizing the comfort and longevity of your implant supported dentures.

Related Article: How Much Do Implant Supported Dentures Cost?