Dental implants have transformed millions of smiles, and if properly cared for, they can last twenty-five or more years! Just like your natural teeth, it’s important to prioritize flossing your dental implants daily in order to prevent gum disease. Your experts in Plainview can explain why it is so important, and exactly how to do it.
The Reason Why Dental Implants Need to Be Flossed
Although dental implants are prosthetic, it is still just as important to floss around them as it is your natural teeth. Flossing daily helps reduce the build-up of plaque, which can lead to periodontal disease. This can weaken the gums and cause additional tooth decay, as well as implant failure.
How to Floss Around Dental Implants
The method of flossing around dental implants will depend on the type of prosthetic you have. Below are a couple of “how-to’s” based on the different types:
- Implant-retained crowns: Because these dental prosthetics are not attached to any others, they can be flossed in the same manner that you would your natural teeth
- Implant-supported bridges or Implant-retained dentures: Both of these types of implants are a series of prosthetic teeth that are technically one piece but have been created to appear as multiple teeth. As a result, there is nothing to floss in between. With these types of bridgework, you’ll need to use a floss threader, which is a small pliable tool resembling a needle. This tool is then used to thread the floss through the eye and pull the string under the bridge and around each implant to remove any particles.
Although flossing with implants may take slightly longer than flossing natural teeth, it is vital to the health of your gums and overall oral well-being. Your dentist can also help make the process easier for you with diagrams and specific instructions.
About the Practice
Dr. Publio Silfa and Dr. Miguel A. Casañas Jr lead the team of experts at Meadowbrook Dentistry. Together they focus on helping each of their patients live healthier and happier lives by giving them the tools they need to maintain good oral health. They are well-educated and experienced when it comes to caring for dental implants, and every staff member is dedicated to ensuring their patients stay smiling. To learn more about caring properly for your implants, we invite you to visit us online, or call us at (516) 346-5655.