Implant-Supported Dentures: The Importance of Brushing

If you have implant-supported dentures, you have a full arch of prosthetic teeth that are resistant to decay and staining. So what is the harm in slacking on your brushing habits? What is the real purpose of brushing and flossing if my dental implants won’t get a cavity? If you assume that it’s okay for your dental hygiene efforts to fall by the wayside after you get overdentures, you are making a serious (and costly) mistake.

Implant-supported dentures consist of an upper or lower set of artificial teeth that are firmly secured by a set of dental implants. Some patients have as few as four dental implants to support a full denture arch. Implant-supported dentures, also called overdentures, offer unrivaled benefits towards your comfort, confidence and quality of life compared to traditional removable dentures. One of the best perks is that you can care for your over-dentures just like real teeth. This means brushing and flossing daily as well as seeing your dentist for a routine cleaning and checkup.

While it is true that your prosthetic teeth won’t decay like a real tooth would, it doesn’t mean you are exempt from brushing and flossing. Plaque, bacteria and food debris are still likely to accumulate around your overdenture, or along the gum line. If the area is not cleaned properly, these substances can create inflammation, irritation and eventual infection within your gum tissues.

Without healthy gum tissues, your dental implants are at risk for failure. The bone and tissues that surround your implants must remain healthy and strong for your implant to stay in place. If an infection is brewing in your gums (known as periodontal disease), it can cause destruction of the gums as well as the underlying ligaments and bone that anchor your implants. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to gum recession and loose fitting dentures as the implant is allowed to wiggle or shift out of place.

Not only is it important to brush and floss around your implant-retained dentures for healthy gums, it is also necessary to polish your artificial teeth. While your dentures won’t stain like a natural tooth, they can still benefit from a good cleaning every day to keep them shiny, refreshed and white.

If you have dentures that are supported by dental implants, you’ve invested in restorative dentistry in the most significant, life-changing way. Don’t make the mistake of falling short on your dental hygiene routine as you take care of your new smile. Dental implants have a remarkable success rate of over 98%, but they must be brushed, flossed and professionally cleaned just like natural teeth.

Call Dr. Wayne Suway to schedule your implant-dentures cleaning and checkup today! We can address minor problems before they compromise your smile investment.