How to clean All on 4 implants

oral_Keep your All on 4 implants in great shape

All-on-4 implants are an extraordinary procedure and like any investment, you want to protect them. In this case, that means keeping them clean, hygienic and properly maintained so they can serve you well for years to come.

We’ve outlined some easy steps to follow post-treatment, to help keep your All on 4 implants sparkling clean, looking fabulous and in great condition for the longterm.

For individual advice on the recommended upkeep of All on 4 implants or a demonstration of cleaning techniques, call us at The Point Dental today and speak to our friendly team.

What are All on 4 implants?

All on 4 implants are an attractive option if you’re missing multiple or full sets of teeth. It is a liberating new frontier in implant dentistry and helps patients both functionally and aesthetically achieve their desired new smile.

All on 4 implants are often preferred over traditional dentures as this modern procedure is less time consuming and offers almost immediate results. For further information about All-on-4 implants, see our article Everything You Need to Know about All on 4.

How do I best clean All on 4 implants?

To keep your All on 4 implants in fantastic condition, feeling clean and comfortable, a home-care regime is paramount. The key is to be regular with the steps advised by your dentist.

It also helps to have the necessary tools in your cleaning kit, which for All on 4 implants, includes items such as :

• Toothbrush
• Waterpik (or oral irrigation tool)
• Rubber tip gum stimulator
• Mouthwash

This will enable you to successfully keep your implants, teeth and gums clean and maintain top-notch dental and mouth hygiene. Read on for five steps to clean your All on 4 implants.

Five key steps

By following the below steps, you can keep your new All on 4 implants looking and feeling great, day after day.

Step 1

Brush your dental implants, natural remaining teeth and the bridge, gently twice a day (or after every meal) for 2 to 3 minutes. Always use a good quality brush, either soft manual or electric will do the trick. For excellent results, brush in a circular movement right up to the gum line.

Step 2

Use a Waterpik® device for those difficult to reach places. This oral irrigation tool can be used at least once a day to remove the tiny food particles a brush can miss. It’s great because it reaches directly down to the gum line.

Step 3

Use a rubber tip gum stimulator. It sounds like a mouthful, but it’s really just a simple instrument used to trace around your gum line. As with all implants and bridges, it is important to ensure food debris does not get wedged at the base of the gum, which can lead to infection. The rubber tip works to gently remove trapped particles, keeping your gums healthy and implants clean.

Step 4

A daily rinse with Peroxyl (Colgate) to debride smaller particles from under the bridge is an option. Ask your dentist about specific mouthwash’s and whether discolouration is an issue.

Step 5

Attending regular check-ups and cleaning appointments every 3-6 months is still a must. Even the most meticulous brushers among us can miss small food particles or debris. Dentists have excellent visibility of any issues and can go the extra mile for your smile when it comes to a thorough and professional clean.

If you’re finding it hard to stay regular, try setting a reminder on your phone to help turn good intentions into a habit. Once you’ve nailed the steps, and your cleaning kit is replenished with the brush and cleaning tools (easily purchased from the chemist or dentist), you’re now set to reap the benefits.

Benefits of a ‘clean routine’

Following the cleaning steps above and protecting your All on 4 implants might take a little while to adjust to. But it’s certainly worth the time and effort.

The main benefits of keeping your All-in-4 Implants clean are:

• Keep food particles and bacteria at bay
• Avoid unnecessary pain and/or infection
• Keep your gums, implants and natural teeth in great condition
• Maintain a radiant and healthy smile

At The Point Dental, it’s important to us that we arm you with the knowledge to finesse your All on 4 implant home care regime, for successful and long-lasting results. This ‘easy to conquer’ routine is designed for maximum protection so you can avoid pain or gum disease and have a positive experience with your wonderful new All on 4 implants.

Contact us today to schedule your next consultation for advice on implant hygiene and best practice for maintaining your All on 4 implants.