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All-On-4® dental implants don’t have a separate cleaning routine like dentures, but replacement teeth still need proper daily care, just like natural teeth. Read this guide to find out what you need to know about maintaining your All-On-4® teeth after they’re first fitted and in the long term.

If you have more questions or need to speak to our dentists in Perth, call us on 1300 108 133.

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Why is oral hygiene important?

Plaque and bacteria can form on and around an All-On-4® bridge, just as it can build up on teeth and gums. Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine helps to reduce plaque, which can lead to staining and discolouration of a bridge, bad breath, and if left untreated, it can cause more serious problems, such as peri-implantitis (a form of gum disease affecting dental implants).

If gum disease develops, it may cause gums to pull back where the implant is held in place, leading to implant failure. Gum disease is also linked with health risks elsewhere in the body, including an increased risk of heart problems, stroke and diabetes, among others.

Mouth rinsing and teeth cleaning after All-On-4 surgery

The day after your All-On-4® implants are placed, it’s important to rinse your mouth gently using a warm saltwater wash. Saltwater rinses should be done two to three times a day, especially after eating.

To prepare a saltwater rinse, we recommend:

• Mix one teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water
• Take a mouthful and hold it over the surgical site

If you have been prescribed a Chlorhexidine mouthwash by your dentist, it should be used twice a day – ideally first thing in the morning and before you go to bed at night.

To use the mouthwash, we recommend:

• Hold a small amount of the mouthwash in your mouth, taking care not to swallow
• Gently move your head from side to side so the mouthwash reaches all parts of your mouth
• Keep the mouthwash in your mouth for 30–60 seconds, then spit it out

Chlorhexidine mouth rinses should only be used for one to two weeks. Using them for longer than two weeks may cause staining of your new bridge. After this time, you can continue with salt water rinses.

Looking after your oral hygiene in the long term

Our dentists at Perth Dental Implant Centre will give you personalised advice about caring for your All-On-4® bridge and your oral health, based on your individual needs. Here’s some general guidance.

Toothbrushing

You will be provided with a soft-bristled toothbrush to use for the first two weeks. This brush can be used to brush all surfaces of your All-On-4® bridge, including the area where the bridge meets the gums. You will need to take care brushing the gums for the first two weeks while they heal.

After two weeks this area can be brushed more thoroughly and you may consider switching to an electric toothbrush to help remove food and plaque from hard-to-reach areas.

WaterPik® and Flossing

You will be provided with a Waterpik® water flosser to use two weeks after surgery (unless you have had zygomatic implants placed, in which case you will not be using a Waterpik for the first six months). The water flosser should be used twice a day to remove plaque and food debris from under the bridge. After a few weeks when the gums have fully healed you can also use other cleaning aids such as Piksters®, superfloss and X-floss to clean under the bridge and around dental implants.

Healthy diet

Unlike dentures, you don’t have to give up certain foods in the long term with All-On-4® implants, but it’s still important to maintain a healthy diet and to limit sugar that feeds bacteria in plaque.

• For the first few days after implant surgery, we recommend a nutritious liquid diet (like broths, soups, smoothies and yoghurts).
• Once your bridge has been fitted, you can begin eating soft or pureed foods (such as mashed potato, scrambled eggs and soft fruits) for around 7 days.
• Hard, crunchy and sticky foods should be avoided until the implant site has completely healed, usually within 3 months of surgery.

In the first three days after surgery, we recommend avoiding hot drinks and do not use a straw. For more information on a healthy diet post implant surgery, read our guide to what to eat after dental implant surgery.

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Lifestyle habits

Smoking should be completely avoided with dental implants, as it affects healing and increases your risk of infection and implant failure, among other health risks. Alcohol should be avoided for the first few days after implant surgery, or if you’re taking prescription medication.

Some habits, like chewing objects and teeth grinding, may damage your bridge over time, or lead to other oral health problems. If you grind your teeth, your dentist will recommend wearing a custom night guard to help protect your new bridge.

Pre-existing medical conditions

If you have an existing medical condition or are taking medication that may affect your suitability for All-On-4® implants or your healing period, this should be discussed with your doctor and our dentist so we can help you to lower your risk factors.

Regular check-up and cleans

As with natural teeth, regular dental check-ups and professional cleans are important for checking the condition of your All-On-4® bridge and your overall oral health. We recommend visiting your dentist every 6–12 months, depending on your individual needs. You dentist will professionally clean your bridge using an ultrasonic bath, stain removal tools and polish. We also recommend a dental x-ray every 1–2 years so we can check the health of the bone around your implants.

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All-On-4 bridge repairs and replacement

All-On-4® implant bridges are hard-wearing and designed to last for many years, but they will need replacing eventually, whether due to normal wear and tear or accidental damage. It may also be possible to repair some damage to an acrylic bridge by replacing individual teeth.

Bridge repairs

Our technicians can repair minor damage to an acrylic bridge on the same day, or within 48 hours for larger repairs. The cost of bridge repair ranges from $350–$600. Repairs resulting from mechanical failure are covered by a two-year warranty.

Bridge replacement

We offer several options for replacing an All-On-4® bridge, depending on your needs and price range:

• Remodelling an existing bridge with new acrylic teeth over the original titanium bar: $5,500
• Replacement titanium-acrylic bridge, with new teeth and a new titanium bar that’s easier to clean: $8,500
• Monolithic zirconia bridge, which offers enhanced strength, durability and aesthetics: $9,500
• Porcelain-layered zirconia bridge, which closely resembles real tooth enamel: $10,000

Talk to our dentists in Perth

If you want more information about All-On-4® treatment at Perth Dental Implant Centre, or to speak to Dr Dave Norcross, contact our friendly team at Perth Dental Implant Centre today.

1300 108 133