Implant Prosthetic Cleaning in Lakewood, WA

The most common cause of dental implant failure isn’t a “bad” implant, it’s a lack of specialized cleaning. For patients in Lakewood and Tacoma, Dr. Kevin Kim, DDS emphasizes that while an implant can’t get a cavity, it is highly susceptible to Peri-implantitis, an infection caused by plaque buildup that can quickly dissolve the bone supporting your implant. At Dental Health Associates, we teach you the specialized techniques and tools needed to keep the “cuff” of your gum tissue healthy and your prosthetic looking brand new.

The Daily Home Care Routine

Because dental implants attach to your body differently than natural teeth (they lack the protective “periodontal ligament”), they require a more meticulous cleaning approach. Whether you are from University Place or Steilacoom, your daily routine should include:

• Gentle Brushing: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush. Avoid abrasive “whitening” toothpastes, which can create microscopic scratches on the surface of your crown, making it easier for bacteria to stick.
• The Power of the Water Flosser: A water flosser is often the “secret weapon” for implant success. It uses a pressurized stream to flush out debris from underneath bridges and around the base of the implant where traditional floss cannot reach.
• Specialized Interproximal Brushes: These small “pipe-cleaner” style brushes are essential for cleaning the sides of the implant abutment. Ensure the wire core is plastic-coated to avoid scratching the titanium.
• Implant-Specific Floss: If you prefer manual flossing, use a “thick-to-thin” floss (like Super Floss) that has a stiff end to thread under bridges and a spongy middle to sweep away plaque.

Professional Periodontal Maintenance

Even with perfect home care, professional cleanings are non-negotiable. At our Lakewood office, we perform Periodontal Maintenance specifically designed for implants. Unlike a standard cleaning at a general dentist’s office, Dr. Kim’s team utilizes:

• Titanium-Safe Instruments: We use specialized scalers made of high-grade resins or carbon fiber. Standard metal instruments can scratch the implant’s smooth surface, creating a “hotel” for bacteria to grow.
• Subgingival Air Polishing: For our patients at JBLM and Oakbrook, we may use an air-polishing system that uses a gentle glycine powder to “pressure wash” the implant surface below the gum line without irritation.
• Regular Site Monitoring: Every 6 months, we check “pocket depths” and take periodic X-rays to ensure the bone levels around your implant remain rock-solid.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Because implants don’t have nerves, they won’t “ache” like a natural tooth when there is a problem. You must be the detective for your own health. Contact Dr. Kim immediately if you notice:

• Redness or Swelling: Gums that look “puffy” around the implant site.
• Bleeding: Any blood when you brush or floss around your prosthetic.
• A “Loose” Feeling: If your crown or bridge feels even slightly wiggly, the screw may need tightening or the implant may be in trouble.
• Bad Taste or Odor: Persistent smells from a specific area often indicate trapped bacteria.

Maintaining your implant is a partnership between your home care and our specialist expertise. To learn more about the biology of peri-implant health, you can visit the American Academy of Periodontology or the Academy of Osseointegration. Dr. Kevin Kim is dedicated to ensuring the foundation we build together stays healthy for life.