Differences in the structures of an implant compared to a tooth make them more susceptible to inflammation and bone loss when there is an accumulation of bacterial plaque (bacteria). For this reason it is very important to follow a maintenance protocol to increase the longevity of the implant; fundamentally that the implant remains in the mouth in a state of health. The placement of an implant requires an interdisciplinary study (from the point of view of periodontics, surgery and prosthesis) for proper planning, execution and maintenance.
Routine maintenance of a dental implant
Once the implant has been placed, routine maintenance sessions are required -normally every 6 months, according to the existing scientific evidence- in which the clinical condition (the gum situation) is evaluated and the state of the implant is radiographically and the patient is assisted the hygiene. Currently the emphasis on long-term success in implants is placed on the maintenance of the health of the hard (bone) and soft (gum) peri-implant tissues. Therefore, for the maintenance of these tissues, the patient’s oral health care and the necessary procedures to ensure good oral hygiene in the dental clinic are essential. For this reason the role of the patient is essential to ensure the long-term success of the implants.The placement of an implant requires an interdisciplinary study (from the point of view of periodontics, surgery and prosthesis) for proper planning, execution and maintenance.
Long-term success of the implant
Nowadays the emphasis on long-term success in implants is placed on the maintenance of the health of the hard (bone) and soft (gum) peri-implant tissues. Therefore, for the maintenance of these tissues, the patient’s oral health care and the necessary procedures to ensure good oral hygiene in the dental clinic are essential. For this reason the role of the patient is essential to ensure the long-term success of the implants.
A 6 months check-up should be done in order to update the dental and medical history, a review of the patient’s oral hygiene and modification of hygiene techniques if necessary, a clinical and radiographic examination of the implants and peri-implant tissues , evaluation of the stability of the implant, removal of the bacterial plaque and calculus (tartar) that may be retained in the crown (tooth) and / or the implant, and establish the intervals of the check-up visits.
Of course it should also be ensured that crowns (teeth) on implants allow access to hygiene by the patient, and do not block as it often happens.Patients with dental implants have usually had less than ideal oral hygiene resulting in tooth loss (partial or total edentulism). For this reason it is essential that oral hygiene instructions be as clear as possible and understood by the patient. In Nart Clinica dental our staff would verbally and visually teach you about oral hygiene through a demonstration.
Cleaning treatments for implants
Implants require care that goes beyond tooth brushing. To eliminate accumulated plaque, at least twice a day brush your teethfrom two minutes to two and a half minutes each are necessary. Patients should normally be instructed on the BASS, modified BASS and / or STILMANN technique by using brushes with soft or medium bristles.
For interproximal cleaning there is a wide variety of interproximal brushes, dental floss and safe irrigation systems for use around implants. The traditional use of dental floss on the mesial and distal surfaces is necessary but it may also be indicated the use of dental floss in other ways. It may be indicated to use it to clean the vestibular and lingual surfaces as well as to apply antiseptic agents (mouthwashes, toothpastes) to the implant on a daily basis.
The interproximal brushes should be chosen according to the interproximal area (space between teeth or between implants). It is important to monitor with those interproximal brushes that have an exposed wire tip and the pressure applied to them since they could scratch the titanium surface of the implant attachments. For this reason, those brushes with a plastic coating of the wire are recommended.
Dental implants require constant maintenance and monitoring. They involve an evaluation of the oral and general health of the patient, professional maintenance of the implant and proper care at home by the patient. All these are determining factors for the long-term success of dental implants.
