Oral Hygiene And Dental Implant Surgery: Everything You Need To Know
Implant dentistry enjoys a very high success rate. In fact, complications are rare. However, complications can arise after surgery, especially if you don't follow all post-operative instructions given to you by your dentist. One of the most important instructions that you will be given involves your oral hygiene after your surgery. You will be sore, so brushing your teeth may seem like the last thing you want to do. But it's vital. Following is everything you need to know about oral hygiene after dental implant surgery.
Why Oral Hygiene Is Important
The most common complication associated with dental implant surgery is post-operative infection, which can be mild or very severe. The best thing you can do to prevent a post-operative infection is to follow all recommended hygiene rituals after your surgery without fail. Also, be sure to take the full course of antibiotics that your doctor prescribes for you. Failing to follow the protocol or putting off brushing your teeth after surgery due to discomfort or pain can have devastating consequences.
How to Clean Your Teeth After Surgery
Your oral hygiene rituals should begin 24 hours after surgery. If you begin them sooner, you may dislodge blood clots, which may complicate the healing process. If you put them off, you could put yourself at risk for infection. Take these steps to keep your mouth clean after surgery:
- After 24 hours, brush your teeth and gums gently, avoiding or lightly skimming over the areas where the new implants are. You can use your normal toothpaste. However, a soft-bristled toothbrush is recommended.
- Brush all areas of your mouth twice daily, including your tongue to remove as much bacteria as possible. If your toothbrush has a cheek scraper, use it.
- Rinse twice per day with saltwater or prescription mouth rinse as instructed by your dentist.
The Complications of Post-Operative Infections
If infection occurs, you will experience more pain than normal and your healing time may increase. If your infection is severe, you may also experience serious complications, including dental implant failure, bone infection and, in severe cases, bone loss.
It is extremely important to practice good oral hygiene after dental implant surgery because maintaining a clean mouth lowers your risk for a post-operative infection, which is the most common complication associated with implant surgery. If you have other dental considerations, such as partial dentures, talk to your implant dentist about special steps you might have to take to keep your mouth clean.
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