“How should I clean and take care of an implant?”
I got an implant 3 days ago. How should I clean and take care of an implant?
3 Answers
After getting a dental implant, it’s crucial to follow a specific care routine to support healing and prevent infection. At Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma, Dr. Jeremy Egan, DMD, MD, provides personalized post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. Here’s a general guide on how to clean and care for your new implant during the initial healing period:
1. First Few Days: Gentle Cleaning
Avoid Brushing Directly on the Implant Site
For the first few days, avoid brushing directly on the implant area to prevent irritation. Instead, focus on gently brushing the surrounding teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Rinse with Salt Water
Rinse with a warm salt water solution (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) 2-3 times a day, especially after meals. This helps keep the area clean and reduces the risk of infection. Avoid vigorous rinsing to prevent disturbing the surgical site.
Avoid Mouthwash and Strong Rinses
Avoid using regular mouthwash, especially alcohol-based products, as they may irritate the surgical site. Stick to the salt water rinse or any specific rinse Dr. Egan recommends.
2. After 3-5 Days: Gradual Cleaning
Gently Brush Around the Area
Once the initial soreness has decreased, you can start to gently brush near the implant site. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid direct pressure on the implant for about a week to allow the gum tissue to heal.
Avoid Flossing Directly Around the Implant
Flossing around the implant should be avoided initially, as it can disturb the healing tissue. Instead, use a water flosser on a low setting to gently clean around the implant if recommended by Dr. Egan.
3. Ongoing Care Tips
Continue with Soft Foods
Stick to soft foods for the first week to prevent putting pressure on the implant site. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could disturb the implant area.
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking and alcohol can delay healing and increase the risk of infection, so it’s best to avoid them for at least a week after surgery.
Follow-Up Appointments
Dr. Egan will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your healing and ensure the implant is integrating with the bone. Attend these appointments to catch any issues early and receive additional care tips.
Long-Term Care for Implants
Once the implant has healed, establish a routine with gentle brushing, flossing, and using a water flosser or interdental brush around the implant. Routine check-ups with Dr. Egan are essential for maintaining your implant’s health and longevity.
By following these care instructions, you can ensure a smooth recovery and help your implant heal properly. At Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma, Dr. Jeremy Egan is here to support you throughout your healing journey, providing guidance and follow-up care for a successful implant experience.
1. First Few Days: Gentle Cleaning
Avoid Brushing Directly on the Implant Site
For the first few days, avoid brushing directly on the implant area to prevent irritation. Instead, focus on gently brushing the surrounding teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Rinse with Salt Water
Rinse with a warm salt water solution (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) 2-3 times a day, especially after meals. This helps keep the area clean and reduces the risk of infection. Avoid vigorous rinsing to prevent disturbing the surgical site.
Avoid Mouthwash and Strong Rinses
Avoid using regular mouthwash, especially alcohol-based products, as they may irritate the surgical site. Stick to the salt water rinse or any specific rinse Dr. Egan recommends.
2. After 3-5 Days: Gradual Cleaning
Gently Brush Around the Area
Once the initial soreness has decreased, you can start to gently brush near the implant site. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid direct pressure on the implant for about a week to allow the gum tissue to heal.
Avoid Flossing Directly Around the Implant
Flossing around the implant should be avoided initially, as it can disturb the healing tissue. Instead, use a water flosser on a low setting to gently clean around the implant if recommended by Dr. Egan.
3. Ongoing Care Tips
Continue with Soft Foods
Stick to soft foods for the first week to prevent putting pressure on the implant site. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could disturb the implant area.
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking and alcohol can delay healing and increase the risk of infection, so it’s best to avoid them for at least a week after surgery.
Follow-Up Appointments
Dr. Egan will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your healing and ensure the implant is integrating with the bone. Attend these appointments to catch any issues early and receive additional care tips.
Long-Term Care for Implants
Once the implant has healed, establish a routine with gentle brushing, flossing, and using a water flosser or interdental brush around the implant. Routine check-ups with Dr. Egan are essential for maintaining your implant’s health and longevity.
By following these care instructions, you can ensure a smooth recovery and help your implant heal properly. At Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma, Dr. Jeremy Egan is here to support you throughout your healing journey, providing guidance and follow-up care for a successful implant experience.
same way you take care of you teeth , brushing and through flossing and regular check up of every 3-4- or 6 months to ensure everything is in normal shape and form.
Care for the first week or two should be very gentle. Follow the instructions from your surgeon. Frequently an antimicrobial mouthwash is prescribed for 2 weeks
