AO4 Smile™ dental implants can give you a complete set of replacement teeth secured on just four implants. This innovative technique provides restored functionality for eating as well as renewed confidence in your smile. As a major investment in your oral health and appearance, properly caring for your AO4 Smile™ implants is crucial to ensuring they last for decades without needing replacement. What are the key steps to protecting your implants?
Gentle Care After Initial Procedure
In the first 48 hours following your AO4 Smile™ procedure, oral hygiene around the implant sites should be extremely gentle. Avoid any intense brushing or flossing that could disrupt the initial healing process. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and alcohol-free antimicrobial mouthwash to lightly cleanse the area during this period. Hard scrubbing or abrasive products could endanger the integration of the implants while they stabilise.
Daily Cleaning Once Healed
After the surgical sites have fully healed, typically within a couple weeks, you can transition to normal oral hygiene similar to caring for natural teeth. Brush your implant-supported teeth at least twice per day, using soft nylon bristles and low-abrasive toothpaste without alcohol or bleach. The goal is to effectively remove plaque and bacteria without risking damage to the implant surface itself. Take care to gently brush the gums around each implant abutment as well.
Flossing around every implant is also imperative to prevent buildup and periodontal disease in those areas. Tight spaces between implants can be flossed with interdental brushes designed to access hard-to-reach spots. Specialised oral hygiene tools like water flossers and uniquely angled implant toothbrushes can further optimise cleaning around the implants. Your dentist can recommend specific flossing products and toothbrushes tailored to your unique needs.
Professional Cleanings & Checkups
While the titanium implants themselves cannot decay like natural tooth surfaces, the surrounding gum tissue remains vulnerable to periodontal disease triggered by plaque accumulation. Meticulous oral hygiene practices at home are the first line of defense, but professional cleanings and checkups are also mandatory. See your dentist for a thorough cleaning and examination at least twice per year. This allows early detection and treatment of any potential complications before they escalate into threatening implant failure.
Your dentist will confirm that the implants, abutments and dentures are all properly integrated and free of issues like loosening or inflammation. They will also examine for signs of peri-implantitis, which is an infection of the soft tissue around the implant. Any necessary adjustments or repairs can be made promptly before major problems arise.
Lifestyle Factors
Certain lifestyle factors can impact the longevity and appearance of your AO4 Smile™ supported teeth. Habits like smoking and drinking alcohol frequently are especially detrimental, increasing the risk of implant failure and peri-implantitis. Minimising or eliminating these behaviours is advised. Your dentist may also recommend avoiding specific staining foods and beverages to prevent discolouration of the porcelain replacement teeth over time. Always follow your provider’s guidelines for dietary restrictions and oral hygiene practices tailored to your implants.
Protecting Your Investment
By combining vigilant daily oral hygiene along with routine professional cleanings and checkups, your AO4 Smile™ implants could last 20 years or longer before needing replacement. Properly caring for them preserves both your oral health and your financial investment in this transformative restoration. With knowledgeable guidance from an experienced implant dentist and diligent self-care, AO4 Smile™ implants can grant you a beautifully functional and confident smile for decades to come.