If the oral hygiene is not good enough and the implant is not kept clean, there may be inflammation around the implant and you may risk losing it. That is the reason why optimal oral hygiene is very important.
During the insertion of screw and tooth
At the first treatment, the implant screw itself is operated into the bone. The gums are then sewn together. Immediately after this operation, be careful not to brush where the suture are placed. Rinse with a little chlorhexidine morning and evening. Avoid brushing until the sutures are removed.
At the next treatment, gum forms / abutment / crown / bridge / prosthesis is applied. Again, avoid brushing and just use chlorhexidine morning and evening. Once the sutures are removed, the gums and implant should be kept clean with toothpaste and toothbrush.
Single tooth on implant
A single implant with a crown works like a normal tooth, and must also be kept clean like your other teeth. You should use fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush. It is important to brush on all sides, along the gum line, not too hard and preferably in circular motions. Between the teeth you need to use dental floss or interdental brushes. Choose the largest size that can get into the space without the core (typically of metal) scraping against the teeth.
Fixed bridges on implants
If you have had a bridge made on one or more implants, there is no space down between the individual teeth, therefore you cannot floss in the normal way. Here you need special dental floss “superfloss”, which you lead under the bridge, then you push the floss back and forth. This type of dental floss has a thick area in the middle that makes it easier to clean the bridge.
If you find it difficult, a water flush may be the solution for you and patients only talk well about them.
Removable prostheses on implants
There are two types of implant-supported dentures; one with snap lock and one that is screwed on.
If you have snap locks, gums / implants and dentures must be cleaned separately. Take out the denture and clean it with a toothbrush or denture brush. Use a solo brush to get completely into the snap locks. The gums and implants must be kept well clean with a brush so that gingivitis does not occur. Toothpaste is not really that necessary and should be without too much abrasive. Remember to get all the way around the extension pieces. If you have a bar, use an interdental brush or dental floss to clean between the bar and gums.
If you have a prosthesis that is screwed on, clean between the prosthesis and the gums where there is a distance. This is done with interdental brushes or a water cleaner.
