For those who severely damage or lose a permanent tooth, dental implants can restore the appearance and function of a healthy smile. This option produces a durable and more natural-looking replacement than other alternatives, such as crowns or bridges. While the treatment process can be lengthy, most patients find they can return to a normal lifestyle after recovery. This includes using an electric toothbrush for daily home care. Still, it is important to maintain proper practices to help protect the implant from damage or failure.
Patient concerns about new dental implants
Many individuals who receive implants are worried about the screws loosening over time. However, this is unlikely if the procedure is performed well by an experienced professional and the patient follows instructions for follow-up care. Research has shown that electric and sonic toothbrushes, which do produce small vibrations in the mouth, are actually beneficial in preventing bone loss, gum disease and tooth decay. This type of stimulation is more likely to maintain the life of the implant when performed correctly.
The importance of proper brushing and flossing
Just as with natural teeth, implants should be brushed and flossed on a daily basis. While some initial appointments may be scheduled for evaluation, the patient should soon be able to return to regular checkups every six months.
Benefits of electric toothbrush use
Although a regular, manual toothbrush is sufficient for good oral health, electric toothbrushes may be a more favorable option. These devices are more efficient at stimulating soft tissues and circulating fluids and toothpaste into tight places. Electric versions can replicate anywhere from 2,500 to 7,000 brush strokes per minute, while sonic models move at a rate of around 30,000 strokes per minute.
Proper technique for safe and healthy home cleaning
Many dental professionals recommend using a manual toothbrush during the first few weeks after implant placement. This practice can help prevent irritation of sensitive tissues during the healing process. Once the area is healed, an electric toothbrush is an excellent choice for routine home cleaning.
Patients should be careful to apply only gentle pressure with light, sweeping movements. Aggressive brushing can lead to gum irritation, enamel loss and damage to the implant tooth cap. Regular flossing should also be maintained. In addition, patients may benefit from using an oral irrigation system to clean beneath the gum line.
Risks of poor oral hygiene after implants
One of the biggest potential problems with dental implants is an increased risk of infection. While this can occur if the body rejects the implant, it is more likely to happen when the site is not properly cleaned. Individuals who undergo this type of treatment should take extra care to develop healthy oral care routines while visiting the dentist as often as recommended.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Implants in Johns Creek, GA.
Conclusion
Dental implants are an effective solution for tooth replacement. While follow-up care during recovery may differ from normal habits, regular brushing can usually resume shortly thereafter. It is always prudent to consult a dentist on specific instructions. Electric toothbrushes are often an excellent choice for daily care due to their ability to clean thoroughly and efficiently.
Request an appointment or call Parsons Pointe Dental Care at 770-538-1203 for an appointment in our Johns Creek office.
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Many dental professionals recommend using a manual toothbrush during the first few weeks after implant placement. This practice can help prevent irritation of sensitive tissues during the healing process. Once the area is healed, an electric toothbrush is an excellent choice for routine home cleaning.
How long after a dental implant can I use an electric toothbrush? ›
Many dental professionals recommend ONLY USING A MANUAL TOOTHBRUSH DURING THE FIRST FEW WEEKS AFTER IMPLANT PLACEMENT.
Can I use an electric toothbrush after oral surgery? ›
24 HOURS POST-SURGERY:
Begin gently rinsing with warm salt water after meals. Use ½ to 1 teaspoon of salt dissolved in an 8 ounce glass of warm water to make the solution. Salt water rinses 2-3 times per day, for 2-3 weeks. Avoid using an electric toothbrush in the surgical area for one week.
What is the best toothbrush for implants? ›
TePe Implant Orthodontic Brush™ is a special toothbrush designed to clean along implants and fixed braces. Your Implants need proper brushing awareness. The TePe Implant Orthodontic Brush is specially designed to help you keep your teeth fresh and clean, even if you have implants and orthodontic wires.
Do you need a special toothbrush for implants? ›
2) Interdental Brush
Because your regular toothbrush can't reach every part of your implant, this is an indispensable tool. It's a small brush that's exclusively designed to clean between your teeth.
Can you use Sonicare with implants? ›
In fact, they may even be beneficial. Sonic toothbrushes also are effective at keeping your dental implants clean, because they can reach all of the nooks and crannies around the implanted teeth. However, oral surgeons caution that brushing with a sonic model is not a substitute for flossing!
How long does it take for your mouth to heal with an implant? ›
It will take 1-2 weeks to heal from the jawbone surgery, but it will take up to 9 months for the osseointegration to be complete. This is where the implant becomes fused with the jawbone as a result of the bone growing around it.
Do electric toothbrushes loosen implants? ›
Evidence shows that electric and Sonic toothbrushes producing minor vibrations in the mouth benefit patients with dental implants by preventing jawbone resorption, tooth decay, and periodontal disease. In reality, the stimulation will likely help maintain the implant's lifespan when used correctly.
Is electric toothbrush too hard on gums? ›
Electric toothbrushes are generally considered safer for gums. In addition, soft bristles are recommended over hard bristles, regardless of toothbrush type. As aggressive brushing can lead to gum recession, an electric toothbrush with better, soft bristles can be superior for gum health.
What is the best mouthwash after dental implant surgery? ›
Antiseptic (Chlorhexidine) Mouthwashes
Antiseptic mouthwashes, especially those containing chlorhexidine, are often recommended following a dental implant procedure. Their potent antibacterial properties help keep gums healthy by reducing plaque buildup around the implant site.
Use a mouthwash that contains chlorhexidine (such as Corsodyl®) to keep the area free of plaque (a sticky layer of bacteria that builds up on the teeth). You can buy this mouthwash from a pharmacy or shop. Hold the mouthwash in your mouth for 1 minute. Do this 2 times a day.
How do you clean your mouth after dental implants? ›
Brushing your teeth is recommended after dental implant placement. The cleaner we can keep your mouth and the surgical site itself, the lower the risk of infection. Brushing the surgical site itself should be done VERY GENTLY, allowing the antibiotic mouth rinse to do most of the cleaning in that area.
Why no dairy after dental implant? ›
Milk and other dairy products are often high in sugar, which can create an acidic environment in your mouth. An acidic oral environment can delay healing and even increase the risk of implant failure.
What happens if you don't brush your dental implants? ›
What Happens if You Don't Brush Your Dental Implants? While your dental implants won't physically decay like natural teeth, ignoring daily maintenance and regular dental visits can lead to dental implant failure. Lack of proper brushing and flossing techniques will result in peri-implantitis.
How long do dental implants last? ›
With proper care and maintenance, they can last a lifetime. However, the restoration on top of your dental implant will need replacing at some point. Most crowns and bridges last around 15 years and most dentures last at least seven years, but this timeline varies.
Can you use a waterpik around an implant? ›
A great rule of thumb is that an implant needs floss around it at least once a day. Althought a waterpik or water flosser is a good adjunt, it is our recommendation that actual string floss be used. If you do not keep your implants and prosthesis clean, your implants will fail.
Can you bite into an apple with dental implants? ›
For example, dental implants as a replacement for dentures can be very helpful in restoring a firm bite if you've lost yours earlier in life. You should be able to bite into apples and enjoy corn on the cob without worries of embarrassment.
Is Waterpik safe for implants? ›
Studies have shown that the Waterpik Water Flosser is the only oral irrigator to date that has been proven safe and effective for use with dental implants and effectively reduced plaque buildup and gingivitis in clinical trial patients.
Can you use a waterpik on dental implants? ›
It's thought that traditional floss may cause damage to dental implants or braces. While this isn't always the case, it's definitely possible. Using a water flosser may allow those with implants and braces to remove debris from hard to reach or sensitive places.
