Keeping your Dental Implants Clean and Bacteria Free

Dental implants are an amazing, ever-improving technology that has revolutionized the way oral surgeons can repair and correct the damage created by missing teeth. Implants started gaining wide usage in the 1970s and technology has only been getting better. However as with any foreign device placed in the body, there is a risk for infection.

Dental implants are titanium posts that are placed in a patient’s jawbone that fuse to the bone. Creating a solid artificial root on which a crown can be placed. Because of titanium’s unique osseointegration properties, bone grows around the post extremely easily. After getting the foundation for your dental implants placed, it’s extremely important to properly care for them to protect against infection.

Following your oral surgeon’s instructions after dental implant surgery is extremely important as infection of the dental implant site can cause further bone degeneration and extensive complications. Here are a few of the most important directions to follow immediately after dental implant surgery.

• Do not wear your partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures for at least ten days. Bacteria trapped in these prostheses could infect the site and cause further problems.
• You will be prescribed Peridex Oral Rinse following implant surgery. This antibacterial oral rinse is tantamount in the hours and days after your surgery. Removing bacteria before it can infect the wound twice a day can keep your implant clean and safe. It needs to be used for 30 seconds each after breakfast and before bed. Double up the effort with a warm salt water rinse four to five times each day, especially after meals.
• You will also be prescribed antibiotics to help your body prevent and fight off any infection that may crop up. Make sure you take then entire prescription as directed.
• Eating soft foods is also extremely important as well as staying away from hot liquids. This will ensure that food and drink does not open the wound and expose it to further infection.
• Return to normal oral hygiene routines as soon as possible, taking special care to be gentle around the implant area. By removing bacteria from the teeth surrounding your new implant you’re preventing an infection from taking hold.

Until your wound has completely healed, you are susceptible to infection. By taking impeccable care of the implant immediately after it is placed you can ensure that it is not infected. If you have any questions about how best to care for a dental implant, give Sedaros Oral Surgery a call today. We’re happy to answer any questions you have and help you keep your dental implants clean and bacteria-free.