Clean & Maintain Dental Implants
The process for effectively cleaning on and around dental implants can differ from caring for the natural teeth. First, the method used to attach the implant to the surrounding bone and gums differs from how the natural teeth at attached to the bone and gums. In addition, the materials used to create an implant also differ from material found in the natural teeth.
A dental implant is often used to replace a missing tooth. The screw-like implant acts as the root portion of the artificial tooth. An artificial crown, bridgework or denture is then connected to the implant which gives it the natural tooth-like appearance. An abutment is between the implant and the crown. This piece is used to connect the prosthetic tooth to the implant device. The success of the implant is heavily reliant on the bones ability to fuse to the implant. Most types of implants use titanium, a material which fuses to bone through osseointegration. Titanium is also non-allergenic and does cause harm to the body.
Directly above the bone, the abutment is next to the gum. This is supported by connective tissue, or fibers from collagen. These fibers run parallel to the implant and below the surface, ending at the top of the bone. They securely hold the gum firmly up against the implant, giving it a natural appearance.
In a natural tooth, the root is attached to the surrounding bony socket. This is then secured through a periodontal ligament, which is comprised of tiny fibers that insert into the bone and the tooth’s root. These fibers attach from the tooth all the way into the gum. Implants do not contain this type of secure and strong attachment. Because the periodontal ligament contains a greater blood vessel supply for transferring cells and nutrients, it is able to effectively resist and fight off infection.
Similar to how oral hygiene is vital in the maintenance of the natural teeth, it is also critical in maintaining implants. Implants and natural teeth both rely on the healthy surrounding tissues for adequate support. Plaque is able to collect on the implant crown similarly to the natural teeth. Because of this, the plaque must be removed on a daily basis at home. When the biofilm fails to be removed, an infection called peri-implantitis can develop. Unlike inflammation which occurs around the natural teeth, this type of infection can be catastrophic to an implant and cause the loss of bone and even result in implant failure.
Dental professionals also play a role in the prevention of implant infection. Various factors need to be considered when choosing the correct instruments for a professional cleaning. These factors can include the type of debris being removed, where the debris is located on the tooth, and the best method to properly remove the debris.
The instruments used for the professional cleaning should also be carefully selected as to not damage to the implant, abutment, or crown. Maintaining a polished, smooth surface on the implant is also critical. Scratches or damage on the implant components can allow them to more easily collect bacteria. Cleaning instruments which called scalers and curettes are typically used for cleaning and created from a plastic or resin material. Dental professionals can use metal instruments on the natural teeth as they do not scratch as easily.
Numerous types of power or ultrasonic instruments are also available. These contain nylon or plastic tips which help eliminate the risk of damaging the implant. These instruments use of high-frequency vibrations for cleaning. These types of instruments are often used with water irrigation on a low power setting. An antibacterial solution may also be used which aids in preventing infection from developing.