During
the first year after your new prosthesis has been placed in the
Implants, it is necessary for the dentist to confirm that it fits
well and works satisfactory. Regular checkup appointments will
usually be scheduled at 1 -, 3 - , and 6 - months intervals
in the first year. At these checkups, X-rays may be taken to
examine the Implant - bone relationship and rule out any disease.
After the first year, follow-up examinations are usually necessary
only once a year.
Good
oral hygiene is just as important to patients with an implant
prosthesis as to those people who have their natural teeth. It
cannot be said enough that you must thoroughly clean the abutments
and prosthesis daily if you Implants are to give you long - time
service.
Because
the flow of saliva slows while you are asleep, the natural
cleaning action of saliva decreases. This means that bacteria
plaque builds up while you are asleep. Therefore, the most
important times for cleaning the abutments and teeth are in the
evening and in the morning.
The
most important areas to be cleaned are the abutments posts,
underneath the prosthesis, and the area around the gums. (The
abutment posts, remember, are the shiny metal posts that stick up
from the gums and attach the prosthesis to your jaw. )
