Dental implants are the best option for tooth replacement available, and they can last for decades or even a lifetime with excellent care. While dental hygiene with dental implants is mostly the same as that with natural teeth, some patients may need some time to get the hang of flossing with them. Here’s a brief guide to flossing with dental implants to help your restorations stay in great shape for the longest possible time.
How Is Flossing Different with Dental Implants?
When flossing with natural teeth, the patient can press the floss into the gum pocket without fear of damaging the gums. This is because the tooth is attached to the gum with a periodontal ligament, which is incredibly strong and contains nerves that send pain signals if you push too hard.
However, dental implants are not attached with a periodontal ligament, but rather a periodontal seal. This seal does not contain nerves that can send pain signals, and it can be broken rather easily. Once this seal is broken, bacteria can enter the gum pocket and infect the jawbone, which can cause the hold between the implant and the bone to deteriorate, leading to its failure.
How Should I Floss with Dental Implants?
When cleaning your dental implants, floss with extreme caution. Take care to never push the floss into the gum pocket, as this can break the periodontal seal and leave the implant vulnerable to infections. Otherwise, move the floss with the same up-and-down and side-to-side motions that you would use when flossing your real teeth. If you aren’t comfortable with traditional dental floss, floss plackers or water flossers may be great alternatives.
Regular flossing will eliminate food debris from the gums while also keeping them stimulated so they can heal and fight infections more efficiently. By practicing excellent oral hygiene, you can keep your dental implants looking great and in working order for decades to come.
About the Author
Dr. Zachary Carnow earned his dental degree at the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry and completed his one-year implant residency at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. His office in Frisco, TX offers surgical and non-surgical treatments and dental implant services. To schedule a dental implant consultation, contact his office online or dial (214) 619-4990.