How to clean the dental implant to prevent infection?

Question

Hello doctor,

I recently underwent my right lower molar removal and got an implant with a crown. I am aware that I should floss on the sides of the crown, but I am worried that I might damage the peri-implant barrier while flossing as there is a possibility that my floss could slip under the crown and touch the implant. It is easy to floss on one side, but on the other side, it hurts a little.

Also, I am concerned if I do not floss under the crown, food might get stuck and cause inflammation around the implant. Please guide me if I should also be flossing under the crown.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

If proper hygiene is not maintained, it is possible to get periimplantitis which is oral mucosal (tissue lining in the mouth) inflammation and bone loss around the implant region over time. Food lodgment happens if there is space between the implant and the nearby tooth. Even if food lodgment occurs, it will not get lodged into the head of the implant to which the crown is screwed. If food lodgment is your concern, do not floss in that region; instead, try using interdental brushes to remove the food deposits between the teeth.

If using an interdental brush is uncomfortable, I suggest you follow chemical plaque control measures like mouthwashes containing Chlorhexidine Gluconate 0.12 percent every day at night, which will prevent inflammation. The best way to prevent inflammation is to get scaling (professional cleaning) done once in six months or one year.

I hope this helps. Feel free to reach back for further queries.

Thank you.