All-on-4 Dental Implants Cleaning: Tools and Products

When a prosthesis on the jaw is fixed with the help of 4 or 6 implants, such a structure is called non-removable and is called All-on-4 Dental Implants. It requires no less careful care than healthy teeth. At the same time, the products used for this purpose may differ slightly from your standard oral hygiene products that you used before installing All-on-4 Dental Implants. Before we tell you how to clean all on 4 dental implants, familiarize yourself with the list of products needed for this.

Here are some products and devices you will need for proper oral care and the All-on-4 system:

• A toothbrush with minimal hardness.
• Toothpaste without fluoride or toothpaste designed for denture and other artificial constructions care in the oral cavity.
• Dental floss, which will help remove food particles, both between teeth on the prosthesis and your natural teeth.
• Alcohol-free mouthwash. It removes plaque from the oral cavity and the prosthesis.
• Irrigator – another must-have for caring for the All-on-4 construction. The device allows removing food particles and plaque using a water jet in places where a toothbrush and floss cannot reach.
• Tongue scraper. Such an additional device for cleaning the surface of the tongue allows more effective removal of plaque. If you have a special tongue attachment included with the irrigator, then you don’t need to buy a scraper additionally.

Step-by-Step All-on-4 Dental Implants Cleaning Guide

Before moving on to a step-by-step guide on cleaning the oral cavity and implants prosthesis, let’s note a few important nuances. All-on-4 does not need to be removed and rinsed after every meal. It also does not need to be stored in a special solution while you sleep. Such a structure is non-removable, it remains in your mouth all the time, the main thing is to clean the system at least twice a day. And here are a few simple steps on how to do it.

Step 1. Use dental floss to remove food particles

Since such a system replicates both the function and appearance of the dental arches on the upper and lower jaws, interdental hygiene is the first step. Use dental floss to remove food particles between teeth. Despite the presence of artificial teeth on the prosthesis, this is still important. After all, dental plaque and bacteria can accumulate on artificial surfaces, which is the primary cause of dental, gum, and oral cavity diseases. Therefore, how you clean all-on-4 dental implants, including whether you use floss or not, affects not only the health of your teeth but also the longevity of the construction and implants.

Step 2. Don’t forget about cleaning your tongue

Cleaning your tongue, like cleaning between your teeth, is also an important aspect. For this, you can use a toothbrush, an appropriate attachment for an irrigator, or a specialized scraper. Removing bacterial plaque from the tongue will help improve oral hygiene. 

Step 3. Use a toothbrush

After cleaning between your teeth and your tongue, you can move on to brushing your teeth and prosthesis. As mentioned earlier, a toothbrush with soft bristles is suitable for this. Remove food debris from both the parts of the prosthesis with crowns and other areas. Thoroughly clean the junctions of the prosthesis and gum areas.

Use a special toothpaste or cream without fluoride for cleaning. Clean the prosthesis on the upper and lower jaws well, but without applying excessive pressure on the surface of the construction. Afterward, rinse your mouth with warm water to remove any toothpaste residue.

Step 4. Use a mouthwash

Using a mouthwash is a crucial step in oral care, even if you have implants installed. But how do you clean all-on-4 dental implants using a mouthwash without harming the construction? To do this, it’s important to use a mouthwash that is alcohol-free and specifically designed for cleaning dentures.

Step 5. Use an irrigator

Another way to care for all-on-4 dental implants is by using an irrigator. This may not be necessary every time you clean, but it’s essential to do it at least once every few days. Why is this important? An irrigator utilizes a stream of water at varying intensities to cleanse the oral cavity thoroughly, not only cleaning between the teeth but also the spaces between the prosthesis and the gums.

Step 6. Visit a dental hygienist every 6 months

Professional maintenance of All-on-4 implants is an essential procedure. Most likely, your treating dentist will advise you to come for regular check-ups to examine the prostheses, implants, and the condition of your oral cavity. But that’s not all.

Professional cleaning of the All-on-4 system helps preserve the properties of the prosthesis for as long as possible and removes plaque both on the prosthesis and underneath it. For this, a dental hygienist, using professional equipment and hygiene products, will thoroughly clean your oral cavity and the All-on-4 Dental Implants. We recommend not skipping this step and regularly visiting the hygienist.

Here’s how the cleaning of the oral cavity and the All-on-4 system looks step by step. We hope our guide will help you take good care of your oral health, the durability of the prosthesis, and dental implants, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods and smile without limitations. You can also schedule regular visits to our clinic for professional hygiene of your All-on-4 Dental Implants. Make an appointment at your convenience.

All-on-4 Dental Implants Cleaning: the Most Common Questions

Additional Resources

When is All-on-4 the best option? 5 factors to consider when creating your dental treatment plan – dentistryiq.com