Dental implants are a very efficient option to replace missing or damaged teeth. However, they need some special care to keep them in good condition and to ensure their durability over time. In this article we will talk about this care and about some products that you can recommend to your patients to facilitate the task. Here we go!
What is a dental implant?
First of all, we will talk about dental implants in general terms and how they are composed, in order to better explain to our patient the reason for each of the care we recommend.
The parts that make up dental implants are substantially three: the endosseous screw, the pillar and the dental prosthesis.
- The endosseous screw that mimics the root of a real tooth, so it must fit into the mandibular or maxillary bone.
- The pillar that is the connecting element between the endosseous screw and the dental prosthesis. It is also called the transmucosal component because it is closely related to the gingival mucosa.
- Finally, the dental prosthesis which is what replaces missing teeth.
The installation of a dental implant is a surgical procedure that generally involves local anesthesia and moderate sedation. As with any surgical procedure, there is some risk of complications.
The material of choice for dental implants is titanium in its pure form. However, in recent times the use of zirconium dental implants is also taking place.
If cared for properly, a properly installed dental implant can easily last 10 to 15 years. The prognosis, therefore, tends to be favorable.
Dental care for patients with dental implants
It is important to explain to the patient that adequate plaque control will maintain the function, comfort and optimal health of the dental implant over the years, so we must motivate and advise them on the oral hygiene techniques specific to your case. For many patients, undergoing dental implant surgery is an important effort, both psychological and economic, and this is a good argument to motivate them to care for their implants to achieve proportional durability.
Recommendations and instructions on oral hygiene in patients with dental implants will be determined by the position and angle of the implants, the length and position of the transmucosal elements, the design of the prosthesis and the habits, motivation, skill and condition of the patient. Therefore, oral hygiene instructions must be adapted to the peculiarities of each case, as well as to the differences previously observed between the titanium implant and the root of the tooth. Although the prophylaxis tools we have for implant hygiene are similar to plaque control in dentate patients, when choosing and using it, we must always keep the following in mind: the metallic nature of implants and the way the soft tissues cover them.
Advice for patients with dental implants
- Clean your implants regularly: Clean them the same way you clean your natural teeth, using a soft toothbrush, floss, and mouthwash. Maintaining good oral hygiene is key to maintaining implants.
- Visit the dentist regularly: It is important to attend regular follow-up appointments with the dentist to ensure that the implants remain in good condition and to detect any problems early.
- No smoking: Smoking can affect the integrity of the implants and decrease the success rate in the long term. In addition, of course, to causing multiple other diseases.
- Avoid some foods: Especially hard or sticky foods that can damage the implants or displace them. Try to avoid these foods or chew them carefully.
- Avoid brushing too hard: It is important to brush gently to avoid damaging the implants or gums. It is very important to teach the patient how to brush their teeth and dental implants properly.
Recommended products for patients with dental implants
- Plaque indicators and revealing: As in dentate patients, they are very useful for the patient to recognize where the plaque accumulates and, in addition, we can motivate and instruct him appropriately since It is easier to explain something that is seen. We can use it in the clinic and also recommend its use at home, facilitating the progressive improvement of your cleaning technique.
- Irrigators for interdental cleaning: They are a great option both for people who have dental implants and those who do not, considerably facilitating oral hygiene and helping to make it more efficient. Our recommendation is the Philips Cordless Power Flosser 3000 Irrigator a> that will help you perform a complete cleaning in 60 seconds.
- The toothpaste: Ideally they should have a low degree of abrasion, so it is very important to know the RDA degrees of abrasion of the toothpaste to recommend one. As chemical control agents in plaque, we will choose pastes that contain drugs such as triclosan or chlorhexidine.
- The mouthwash: chlorhexidine gluconate are indicated in cases of peri-implantitis, mucositis, peri-implants or shock treatments in patients with poor hygiene. They will be used in regular doses and never for more than 3 weeks in a row.
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