How do I care for my dental implant

DEUTSCH
Good dental care, regular check-ups and professional prophylaxis are important for the long-term preservation of dental implants.
When caring for the implant, the space between the dental implant and the gums must be cleaned in particular. Smoking is at least as harmful for implants as it is for teeth.

Aids for dental care at home
Like natural teeth, dental implants can be brushed with a manual or an electric toothbrush. In addition, there are special single tuft brushes that allow good care of implants.
Implant care with the manual toothbrush
At least three minutes should be spent brushing with the manual toothbrush – first outside and then inside and first the upper and then the lower jaw. Except on the occlusal surfaces of the molars, “scrubbing” should be avoided. Wiping should be done at an angle of 45 degrees with a light pressure from the gum to the tooth crown.
Implant care with the electric toothbrush
After the healing phase, electric toothbrushes can also be used, with low contact pressure.
Cleaning the interdental spaces
The interdental spaces are cleaned with dental floss and/or interdental brushes, whatever works best in your situation.
Cleaning bridges and bar constructions
Cleaning under bridges or bar constructions is also necessary, also with dental floss and/or interdental brushes.
Removable dental parts (dentures)
Removable dentures must be taken out of the mouth and cleaned separately (special brushes or ultrasonic bath).
If the denture holds the position of the jaw (i.e. if many teeth are missing), then it should be worn at night after care. Of course, it is important that it can be fixed well.
1 – 2 times a week you can take a “denture break” while you sleep.

The procedure of individual prophylaxis in the dental office
• Ultrasonic instruments with special soft attachments are used to remove plaque and tartar from the implant surfaces.
• With a waterjet, air and a special powder, the gum pockets can be thoroughly cleaned. Small hand instruments and brushes are also used in hard-to-reach places.
• A disinfecting rinse can significantly reduce the number of infectives
• A polish with a special polishing paste is used to reduce the build-up of plaque.
• A dental care gel is often applied afterwards to protect the gums.
Individual prophylaxis includes tried-and-tested tips for home care that are tailored to the patient’s personal situation.
This is the description of a typical prophylaxis session. Medical treatments are individual and your doctor may recommend different treatments.