Missing teeth can affect your ability to eat, speak, and smile comfortably. They can also impact your self-esteem and overall quality of life. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers a variety of solutions for replacing missing teeth, including implant-supported dentures.
If you're considering implant-supported dentures, it's important to understand how to care for them properly. Unlike traditional dentures, which rest on the gums, implant-supported dentures are anchored to dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone. This provides a more stable and secure fit, allowing you to enjoy a wider range of foods and activities without worrying about your dentures slipping or falling out.
Cleaning Your Implant-Supported Dentures
Just like natural teeth, implant-supported dentures require regular cleaning to maintain good oral health. Here are some tips:
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Brush your dentures twice a day: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste designed for dentures. Be sure to brush all surfaces of the dentures, including the underside, where food particles can easily accumulate.
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Soak your dentures overnight: Place your dentures in a denture-cleaning solution or a mild soap and water solution to help remove plaque and bacteria. Never use bleach or harsh chemicals, as these can damage your dentures.
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Clean your implants: Use a special brush designed for cleaning dental implants. You can also use a water flosser to remove food debris and plaque around the implants.
Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene
Caring for your implant-supported dentures also involves maintaining good oral hygiene. Here are some additional tips:
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Brush your gums and tongue: Even though you don't have natural teeth, it's important to brush your gums and tongue regularly to remove plaque and bacteria. This will help prevent gum disease and other oral health problems.
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Floss daily: Use a special floss designed for dental implants. Flossing helps remove food debris and plaque from around the implants, which can help prevent peri-implantitis, an infection that can damage the implants.
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See your dentist regularly: Schedule regular checkups with your dentist to have your dentures and implants checked. Your dentist will also clean your teeth and gums and check for any signs of infection or other problems.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to help you care for your implant-supported dentures:
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Avoid hard foods: Hard foods can damage your dentures and implants. Stick to soft foods or cut harder foods into smaller pieces before eating.
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Don't smoke: Smoking can increase your risk of developing gum disease and other oral health problems. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your oral health and overall health.
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Limit your alcohol intake: Alcohol can dry out your mouth, making it more difficult to keep your dentures and implants clean. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
Conclusion
Taking care of your implant-supported dentures is essential for maintaining good oral health and enjoying the full benefits of your new smile. By following the tips above, you can keep your dentures and implants clean, healthy, and functional for many years to come.
If you have any questions or concerns about caring for your implant-supported dentures, be sure to talk to your dentist. They can provide you with personalized advice and guidance to help you keep your smile healthy and beautiful.
Office Hours
Monday-Thursday:
9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Friday:
9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Professional cleanings Mon, Wed, Thurs: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Dental Implant Center at Walnut Creek: Blog Dr. Keith and Dr. Petrini have been proudly serving the Grater Bay Area community for many years and pride themselves on performing excellent services in general dentistry and dental implants. Dental Implant Center at Walnut Creek, 1111 Civic Drive, Suite 320 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 ~ (925) 266-3550 ~ implantcenterwc.com ~ 3/16/2025 ~ Key Phrases: dental implants Walnut Creek CA ~
Missing teeth can affect your ability to eat, speak, and smile comfortably. They can also impact your self-esteem and overall quality of life. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers a variety of solutions for replacing missing teeth, including implant-supported dentures.
