Just like the natural teeth, your implant-supported dentures should be carefully cleaned every day to remove food particles and debris. By following simple steps, you can ensure that your dentures enjoy a long lifespan and that you avoid dental problems.

At Signature Smiles in Woodinville, WA, Drs. Cristin Dowd and Ken Wu bring many years of professional dental experience to patients. During your appointment, we will provide tips and advice on how to care for your implant-supported denture once it is placed.

Why Is Daily Maintenance Important?

Daily cleaning of your dentures and the supportive implants can help your smile remain healthy and attractive. Over time, food particles can form a layer of residue over your false teeth. This thin film can leave your denture appearing discolored.

Proper cleaning of your denture and implants can also prevent dental problems like gum disease. Gum disease can lead to bone loss around the implant. In addition, if your implants become infected, you risk developing peri-implantitis, which is a leading cause of implant failure. Bacterial-laden biofilm will naturally build on your implants and dentures, and it must be removed daily. Healthy gums allow your implant to remain intact for a lifetime.

How to Clean Your Implant-supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures are fixed in place, so they are not removable. Patients should clean their dentures every night and every morning.

Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Dentures can be cleaned using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. It is also important to thoroughly brush your gums, tongue, and all of the soft tissues of the mouth to prevent bacterial build-up that could cause gum disease.

Water Flossing Devices with Special Brushes

We also recommend that patients use a water flossing device to remove food and bacterial build-up from the dentures, and hard to reach areas, such as between the dentures and gums. Many water flossing devices come with various types of small brushes that can be used to clean implant-supported restorations.

Professional Cleaning and Maintenance

To ensure that your implants and denture are in the best possible condition, do not forget to schedule regular dental appointments at Signature Smiles in Woodinville. Professional exams and check-ups allow our doctor to carefully examine the health of your jawbone and gums. During your exam, we will:

• Clean the gums
• Assess the health of the gums
• Clean every surface of the denture
• In some cases, we may remove the dentures and clean around each dental implant
• Check for infections and complications

We will also make sure that your denture is fitting properly. X-rays or advanced imaging can ensure that your abutments are still positioned correctly. If one of our doctors does see something that needs adjustment or replacement, your appliance can be fixed quickly.

Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation

With proper care and maintenance, your dental implant can last a lifetime. Daily cleaning can ensure that your gums remain healthy and your denture remains cosmetically pleasing. To schedule your next appointment, please contact our office online or call (425) 489-1177.