Maintaining Oral Health With All-on-4 Dental Implants

All-on-4 dental implants are an effective way to replace an entire row of missing teeth. The treatment process has two parts, starting with the actual dental implants, carefully placed evenly throughout the upper or lower arch of teeth. We place four implants during surgery, and after a few months of healing, the periodontist can fit the patient for a denture piece that attaches to the implants. After the all-on-4 procedure is both parts are complete, there are a few things that you should keep in mind to take care of your new dental implants to ensure they last a lifetime.

Oral health tips for all-on-4 dental implants

Brush twice a day

The most common way to maintain good oral health with all-on-4 dental implants is to brush twice daily or after every meal, just like natural teeth. However, there are a few key differences to take note of. First, using a toothbrush with soft bristles is recommended because denture pieces are fragile and can easily become worn with too-hard bristles, especially when used multiple times a day, every day. Additionally, periodontists do not typically recommend that patients use traditional toothpaste. Instead, there are special cleaners that work specifically for all-on-4 dental implants. This will help ensure the patient's remains bacteria-free while keeping the denture piece clean and in good shape.

Utilize alcohol-free mouthwash

Many mouthwashes contain alcohol, which is not always the best option for natural teeth, let alone for prosthetic devices such as dentures that connect to all-on-4 implants. Instead, a periodontist recommends using mouthwashes that do not contain alcohol and that are not super harsh, as the ingredients could damage the denture pieces. The periodontist will likely recommend an ideal mouthwash to keep the patient's entire mouth clean and free of bacteria while also ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the all-on-4 dental implants.

Avoid certain foods and beverages

One of the most important parts of caring for one's all-on-4 dental implants is avoiding certain foods and beverages that could potentially damage them. Foods that are extremely hard, tough, and chewy can significantly damage the patient's prosthetic teeth and implants. In some cases, this damage can potentially lead to pain, discomfort, extensive repairs, and the need for replacement.

Additionally, certain beverages can cause severe staining and, in some cases, even damage the all-on-4 dental implants and dentures over time. Beverages that are heavily dyed, such as wine, tea, and coffee, can cause irreversible staining. Highly acidic sodas or juices may deteriorate the prosthetic. If individuals choose to consume these beverages, they should drink water immediately afterward to help reduce potential staining and consider using a straw.