The most dangerous misconception about implants is that they need no care because artificial material does not decay. The implant itself indeed cannot get decay. But it is held by bone, and bone disappears through inflammation exactly as it does around a natural tooth — often faster.
Peri-implantitis
Inflammation around an implant begins as mucositis, which is still reversible. If plaque remains, the inflammation spreads to the bone and the bone starts to recede. There is no periodontal ligament around an implant to protect it as there is around a natural tooth, so inflammation spreads faster and gives fewer warning signs. Lost bone cannot be recovered.
Daily care of implants
- Brush twice a day with a soft brush, paying particular attention to the junction of implant and gum.
- Interdental brush between implants — size chosen with your dentist or hygienist. Avoid brushes with a metal core in direct contact with the implant surface.
- A water flosser is especially useful with implants because it reaches beneath the prosthesis.
- Superfloss or floss with a stiff end for cleaning under a bridge or an All-on-X prosthesis.
- An annual check-up and professional cleaning twice a year (€100).
Implants are cleaned by a hygienist with special, non-metal instruments — metal scratches the titanium surface, and a scratched surface collects plaque faster. Always mention that you have implants.
Caring for a removable denture
- Clean the denture after meals with a separate brush and soap or denture paste — ordinary toothpaste is too abrasive and scratches acrylic.
- Clean it over a basin of water or a towel — a dropped denture breaks easily.
- Take the denture out at night. The gum needs rest and oxygen; constant covering encourages fungal infection.
- Store it overnight dry or in water depending on the material — ask your dentist which applies to yours.
- Clean your gums and tongue too, with a soft brush.
- Remaining natural teeth need ordinary care — plaque builds up especially fast under a partial denture’s clasps.
What to avoid
- Boiling water — acrylic deforms.
- Bleach and household chemicals.
- Abrasive pastes and baking soda.
- Adjusting the denture yourself with a file or knife — an ill-fitting denture needs a dentist.
Signs to come in sooner
- Gums bleed around an implant or denture.
- Swelling or a bad taste at the implant site.
- The denture has started to move or is rubbing.
- A crown or prosthesis screw feels loose.
A loose denture is not a cosmetic problem — constant friction damages the gum and accelerates bone loss.
Book a maintenance appointment at Unidenta in Tallinn, Fr. R. Kreutzwaldi 24.