Dental Implants are NOT teeth. They are a “replacement” for teeth. Because of this, cleaning dental implants is different than cleaning your natural teeth. The biology of the gums around an implant is very different than what is found around natural teeth.
Of course you have to brush, but should you floss, Waterpik or use other cleaning adjuncts?
You might be surprised at what I have to say in this video!!!
Some cleaning methods can promote bone loss around an implant (Peri-Implantitis) making it worse.
Home care of your single tooth, full mouth implants, Prettau zirconia bridge, all on 4, 6, etc are covered in the video. 3D lab design is critical for making your teeth easy to clean and self-cleansible. Connected teeth bridges and abutments are also discussed.
Your comments, questions and concerns are welcome.
Ramsey A. Amin, D.D.S.
Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology /Implant Dentistry
Fellow-American Academy of Implant Dentistry
I have all on six zirconian implants. I brush and use a waterpik but there is no way I can floss. There is not space for floss to go under. I worry because when I water floss I notice a bad smell coming from the top. I have always questioned the fit because my speach is not right and they just don’t feel right. I have had the permanent set for 2 months. Before that I had a temporary set and two permanent pallets that broke. They don’t hurt I just dont like the smell or the feel.
Ooof this is not good. The underside of the bridge needs to have a special shape.
Two questions:
1. If my Zirconia all on 4 breaks within one month;(The dentist found a crack in it and it came apart in his hand) Should the whole prothesis be restored?
2. Can I brush my Zirconia all on 4 with regular toothpaste? (Crest, Colgate etc.) I also do a waterpik as well.
YES AND YES.
Consider a bar supported bridge like this one:
Full Arch Implant – A Difficult Case Explained (No Bone, Underbite)
I have fixed upper zirconia bridge on 6 implants. My teeth are not flush with my gums. I now have an overbite and flossing is difficult as I have a “u” shape to thread through. Is this right?
hmmm…. Refer to this post on proper shaping of the gum portion. This has everything to do with keeping the bridge clean especially if it is a full arch replacement on 6 implants especially on the upper jaw.
Proper Shape Of Gums All on 4 Bridge
I have temporary prosthesis all on four, I have sharp constant pain in my lower right implant, dentist did an X-ray and can see no infection and he said the implants are good, but it’s causing me severe pain. The temporary has been there for a couple of months but only recently started hurting.
Take it off and look underneath. The x-ray will not tell 100%.
Fingers crossed!
I had this happen and what it was surprised me. There was one small spot where the flesh was being pinched by the implant when it was tightened down. You’re right, it must be removed and actually examined for redness.
Hi, I have 4 lower implants and the same on the top with a full bridge. I noticed that my bridge has started moving and has lifted up on the bottom but my implants are not loose. Why has this happened?
That is an emergency visit on Monday for sure. It is possible that a multi- unit abutment screw is loose or broken. Let me know what the dentist says.
That sounds stressful since implants restorations are so expensive. I have a full upper upper on 8 implants, 15 years old now, all cemented with “temporary cement” , must be some strong stuff, it’s never been removed, never moved. Is yours screwed in or cemented?
I have all on 6 upper and lower arches. I am in my temp teeth at this point 8 months after surgery. It looks like I do not have teeth on the top unless I give a big smile and also my upper lip is sunk in and if I do not smile it looks like I have no teeth at all. My finals will be crystal ultra and I am concerned that I will not have enough upper lip support as the temp teeth seem to hang forward over my gums already. My Dentist told me he is not sure just how much lip support I will get as an end result? Is there any way to make sure before I go to the final teeth. Thank you
Check this out
https://burbankdentalimplants.com/?s=Lip+support+
Is it normal for floss to make a clicking sound when inserting and removing from between two single implants?
Hmm. Not really. Could just be the way you are moving it around.
😀
The crowns are very tight- just clicks when clearing the top of the crowns going in and coming out. Not while flossing.
As long as nothing is moving consider this normal
I get a clicking sound when the soft tissue at the implant moves, as it should, making popping sounds with spit and flesh movement. I thought my implant had loosened up but it was only soft tissue movement since the implant I have, All on 6 on 2 arches, doesn’t sit on the gums.
I had all on 6 on top completely done no problems. I had one implant on bottom done and failed twice. I’m on my third try. I am three weeks in and have no pain but I have fluid like absess on top of my implant. Should I be worried?
Oh gosh – that’s not good
If you would like you can post a public Google drive photo for me to look at. It must be a public link though.
Multiple rejections sound like unresolved infections.
Is it reasonably normal for an “all on 4” to have one rear implant set lower than the other three. Set so low that it is difficult to attach the screw on abutment. What could be the reason for this?
Hmmm… That is a bit odd. It is most ideal for the bone to be leveled and all of the implants to be at the same level. This allows the underside shape of the bridge to be perfect and easily cleansed. If you would like, you can post a picture by uploading to a public Google Drive.
I had all 4 on one done two weeks ago and I know they are temporary but is there a way to get coffee stains off of them, thanks
This electric toothbrush. Brush for 4 minutes! 😉
https://oralb.com/en-us/products/compare/electric-toothbrushes
I have the 4 IN 1, after 7 years I noticed small stains in the surrounding fake gum area of the tooth. Went in for my 6 month cleaning with Eon Clinic’s and they cleaned them but within a week these stains started showing again. The brush with tooth paste and I use the water pic daily, what can I do to make these go away. I only have one cup of coffee a day and now I use a straw to keep it off my teeth. I don’t drink soda or eat or drink anything dark in color. Please help very frustrated.
Is the All on 4 bridge zirconia or acyrlic?
After having an acrylic bridge over your implants is it safe to replace with zirconia bridge in the future? Can zirconia damage the implant itself? I had mine done at clear choice but my acrylic bridge has had to be repaired 3 times
So i was thinking of zirconia but was told they have higher risk of damaging the implants ?
I have the same question. Mine are zirconia, up and down (full mouth of these suckers). I’m frustrated that even with brushing and water-pikking they are looking dingy and I see small stains ‘in between’ teeth at the ‘gum line.’ I just called my peri’s office thinking I could come in for a check-up (had perms for a little over a year) and they could throw them in the autoclave while I’m there. The chick said cleaning would be $600! $300 per arch. Um, what?? I spent $56,000 on these things and they can’t clean ’em up for me when I go in for an office visit? That’s nuts and I’ve pulled a Karen and asked my treatment mgr to give me a cal. In the meantime, is there something other than just brushing/pikking I can use to whiten them back up again – that doesn’t cost $600 either! Thanks!
Hmmm…zirconia doesn’t stain easily. Are you sure they are zirconia?
Can you upload a picture to a public Google Drive?
It seems very weird to take out the virgins to clean them. That would be a charge to remove and reinstall which typically is not necessary unless circumstances. I’m assuming use an electric toothbrush and you do not smoke. Oral-B makes the best electric toothbrush 🪥
Typically see staining in acrylic fuse and metal hybrid.
Zirconia when done well has no porosity.
My hygienist years is an implant specific cleaner called airflow. There is nothing better than that device for cleaning. It does not need to be removed to do this. Very few offices have invested in this technology
They are absolutely zirconia. And it’s not staining on the fronts of the teeth, but a couple of what look like stains anyway, in between some on the upper/lower plate that are right/left of the front 4.
Is the airflow cleaner available for purchase by a non-dentist-type person?
No this would not be somethings that a non-dentist could buy . Also has to hook up to a special air compressor connection.
I have the zirconia and have never seen any discoloration on mine.
I have all 12 implants in and am ready to have both upper, & lower Zirconia arches made. What is the best method for the dentist to measure my gums to fit and work with new arches? Do they make “impressions” like they did for temporary false teeth, or is there another “computer” generated method to measure the gums?
My dentist worked directly with the fabrication lab and put special individual implants on after my full arches were removed and then laser scanned the interior of my mouth and jaw for reference points. They took that back to the lab and the computer designed the implants from the laser measurements. I got to watch it on the screen. Every spot needed to be occupied with a scan result before it could be saved to his laptop. The fit was perfect except for a few very minor adjustments, one of which was my upper right side contacted the lower right side before the left side even had contact. I’m still working on fine tuning that but very close now. I’m just happy the dentures are gone and I can eat normally again.
I have all 12 implants in and am ready to have both upper, & lower Zirconia arches made. What is the best method for the dentist to measure my gums to fit and work with new arches? Do they make “impressions” like they did for temporary false teeth, or is there another “computer” generated method to measure the gums?
Can you ever get rid of periodontal disease?
YES! It is a partnership between you and your dentist. There are very few cases that cannot be cleared up. It will depend on diet, lifestyle, oral hygiene, following through with treatment recommendations. Genetics is only a very small part
I have a long history of dental procedures. After failure if upper implants with hip bone, I had zygoma implants 2 yrs ago which succeeded. Tho Im small boned & surgery was difficult.
I had lower implants on bottom 15 yrs ago. Because lower were acrylic, zygoma implants were made with acrylic too.
Problem now is upper teeth keep falling off. Dentist says best approach is to replace upper & lower with zirconia, also fixing bite by angling lower. Because lower implants are so old, new parts have to used that are bigger than old parts.
Initial try-ins of new lower are painful. Dentist says it’s gums adjusting to new parts. I think moving to zirconia is good because it will be more stable & clean. Still Im worried about any risk to lower implants.
Your thoughts? I’m terrified of more dental problems.
I think you just need to replace both arches into zirconia which is a much more premium material. Keep in mind that needs to be done well. It’s not just about the material it’s about how it’s made, designed and delivered. It is a fusion of skill and art by your dentist and lab technician. Very difficult to do well.
this would be the go to solution on your case. It’s very strong, durable, doesn’t chip or stain
Hi
I had an implant done 2 year back on below molar teeth.From last 2 months I am having a throbbing pain on the gum where the implant had been done.I have shown to a dentist who gave me an antibiotic and an metronidazole gel.But I sometimes still find there is a pain.Please advise on this
Something is wrong. See another DDS for a second opinion
Wondering if there are any other dentists who can do my twice yearly cleaning of Clear Choice 4 on 4 dental implants.
Really sad that Clear choice dumps their patients after paying that much money. That is their policy…shameful. They do not maintain their work but somehow people go there. Most dentists don’t want to get involved since they don’t stand behind it themselves but you should be able to find someone.
Thank you, i don”t understand why clear choice charges so much for cleanings of their own work, my husband had implants elsewhere and he is given free cleanings for life, you’te right shameful
Clear choice does no cleanings or regular maintenance work. They just kick you out the door! It is crazy that people go there!
After having an acrylic bridge over your implants is it safe to replace with zirconia bridge in the future? Can zirconia damage the implant itself? I had mine done at clear choice but my acrylic bridge has had to be repaired 3 times
So i was thinking of zirconia but was told they have higher risk of damaging the implants ?
Not true. Your hybrid dental implant bridge can be easily converted to zirconia! Make sure you see a really good implant dentist for this. It is not a simple thing for a regular dentist!
What type of special cleaning do you need? I use toothbrush and low abrasive paste then my Waterpik with he implant nozzle to get under. I can’t floss, fingers too big to get in there. Works pretty well for me. Regular Waterpik nozzles do not work! The implant nozzle looks like a candy cane to hook around and under the implant base. They are sold separately on Amazon and are pretty inexpensive.
I’m interested in the All on 4 or All on 6. How do I find an experienced dentist/oral surgeon in Colorado Springs, CO?
Great info and a big thanks! I went to UT Dental School in Houston! I have full arch on bottom with 4 implants. I had bone grafts for the implants and a denture on top. I have taken notes from your video and I am dedicated to maintaining a clean mouth!! What do you recommend for mouthwash, toothpaste for general maintenance! I am unclear on how to keep plaque from forming on my new smile! I am diligent but concerned
Plaque forms in all of our mouths …including mine!! Use what ever products you like. It is the technique…not the product
Hello
Great website with useful information! It’s obvious you love what you do.
I have a fixed upper porcelain bridge on 8 implants, placed by my periodontist and by my prosthodontist 11 yrs ago. It’s been absolutely wonderful, sometimes I forget it’s there but implants never replace your natural teeth so keep your teeth as long as possible, I say to you everyone who ask .
My perio has had to go back a couple times and graft gum tissue and once I had a pocket with some bleeding on one implant so he went in there and cleaned. In fact I’m going next month for gum grafts on two implants. I suppose my gums will keep receding around the implants unfortunately, so the entire thing will eventually fail 😢😢 some day. I’m 67, I hope it lasts a few more yrs, unfortunately I notice more and more gum tissue recession, mostly on one side of the restoration , the other side is Ok . My question is, I get cleanings every two months at my periodontist, never missed a cleaning since I the beginning , I’m wondering if perhaps, since my hygienist probes and checks for pockets each time, is that too much probing in your opinion? How often would you recommend probing?
Thanks in advance.
probing the implants is fine we just don’t push very much. You likely have genetically thin gum tissue that is prone to recession. There are newer techniques for placing implants within gum and thin bone in order to reduce the chance for gum problems that you are having now. 99% of the patients I treat have some sort of, alteration procedure at the time of placement in order to build and thicken the gums as strong as possible for the long-term. cleanings every 2 months might not be needed though 😉
I had all on 4 implants 4 weeks ago. On my upper in the back, the screw is now visible a little. Is that normal?
You are probably just seeing the abutment. If you were seeing the actual implant then that is a different story. That would not be a good thing. Please confirm with your dentist whether this is am abutment or Implant that is exposed
After 50 plUs years of adventure I had 4 zygomatic implants placed a few months ago and have had the implants uncovered. I am going to receive the temporary bridge in a few weeks. All was well until the prosthodontics dentist warned me I might not like the way I look with the temporary bridge and also I may need a snap on denture so that enough plastic can be used to fill out my lip. I am in a panic thinking I will have to continue with a removable denture. Patricia
How did the zygomatic lip support turn out?
Dr. Amin
I have a question. I have a denture on my top and 3 implants on bottom with a front bridge. 1 implant on my left side and 2 on the right. I had pain on my right side and went to a periodontist / implant Dentist he took x-ray and said I have a lot of bone loss and a infection. So he gave me amoxicillin and wants me to come back in a week and clean around the implant and put a liquid anti biotic where the infection was. He said it could save my implant for a year or maybe 4 years. It is very expensive and I do not see what it will really do. Can you PLEASE tell me if this is a waste of money being I have bad bone loss and will eventually loose my implant anyway. What do you think??
If you caught it (infection) early there is a chance for saving the implant, I guess. I was not so fortunate as I waited for about 2 years -just thinking that my gums bleed where there was already infection eating deeper at the bone. Be early!
Please help me. I am hoping that you can refer a qualified dentist to help me in Colorado Springs’ CO.
Any names would be so appreciated 😔
Thank you so much,
Stephanie
719-373-4067
This is a routine test comment.
Test reply
Test comment
I have 4 implLants on top and 4 on bottom. My dentist.has had me returning to his office weekly and sometimes twice a week for adjustments. Teeth that
I was fitted wit h is too big for my mouth and I don’t have room for food. I ant taste food.they arebUlky. They wobble from side to side and iI bitesomething with my middle teeth they fall down I back on both sides. I have trouble talking with them. They just do not fit my mouth. It is so embarrassing as they fall down in my mouth when I am talking to someone. Hews nts to screw. Them in but the way they are made food getsunder them while I a. Eating and I haveto stop eating and wash my teeth. I would love getting adixedzironia bridge on a medal bar. How many more implants would I need and can you give me an approximate estimate on whatI need to have done.
Do you have over dentures or a fixed bridge? N one of this sounds normal For my fixed bridge patients we transition them through temporary provisional teeth to test everything before moving to the final. This way “bulkiness” can be tested before ever making something final. If the implants are spaced out enough you likely have enough implants to do a fixed bridge although 6 implants is better on the upper jaw.