Implant Home Care Instructions

Diligent home care and maintaining the health of your teeth and gums is critical to the success of your implant(s).

Your teeth and implants need to be cleaned at least twice a day to remove plaque and tartar to avoid gum disease.  Gum disease around the implant may cause it to fail.  It is important that you know the location(s) of your implant(s) in your mouth.  This will help you in maintaining good home care.

Your daily routine will include:
Brush with a soft bristle, electric tooth brush at least twice daily.

Floss at least one time daily.  Tufted floss works well around implant abutments and under bridges.
• Use a plastic coated proxy brush to clean under and around implants that are difficult to reach with floss

Rinse with a recommended mouthwash such as:
• Crest Pro-Health Mouthwash
• Listerine Antiseptic Mouthwash
• Prevention Antimicrobial Mouthwash

Irrigate gums with a Water Pik or Shower Pik at least once daily.
Continuing Care with the dentist and dental hygienist.
• Depending on your oral health, a continuing care appointment will be recommended every 3-6 months.
• Annual screening x-rays will include a periapical x-ray of the implant for the first two years, then as determined necessary by the dentist or dental hygienist.

DO NOT SMOKE.

It is important to identify homecare obstacles and discuss these with your dental hygienist.  Together you can gain strategies, skills and support to overcome these obstacles.  Ask for help to encourage you to maintain motivation to keep these areas clean.