Whether replacing a single tooth, multiple teeth, or an entire arch, dental implants are the next best thing to your natural smile. As the only treatment to replicate both the root and crown, a dental implant provides unmatched benefits when compared to traditional methods, like a 95% success rate. Your investment can thrive for 30 years or more with the right maintenance. Unfortunately, brushing isn’t enough. Flossing dental implants is crucial to their long-term success. Although they may look and feel like your real teeth, flossing is going to be a bit different.
Flossing Prevents Dental Implant Failure
The risk of dental implant failure is less than 5%, but it’s important to safeguard your new smile from any preventable complications. The biggest threat to the lifespan of your new smile is an infection like gum disease, called peri-implantitis. It’s caused by bacteria found in plaque buildup in hard-to-clean places, like around the implant posts and abutments. Flossing is the only way to remove the accumulations to keep your gums healthy.
How to Floss with Dental Implants
Flossing with dental implants must be done carefully because your gums are easier to damage. Flossing around your natural teeth doesn’t damage the gum pockets because of the periodontal ligament. The strong ligament contains nerves that trigger a pain signal if you push too hard with floss.
Unfortunately, the periodontal ligament will not attach to dental implants. Although this doesn’t compromise their functionality, there will be a much weaker seal around them. The peri-implant seal doesn’t contain any nerves, which means you can damage it easily and not even know it. If the seal is broken, it can cause bacteria to enter the pockets, gaining access to the jawbone. If bacteria compromises the bone, your dental implants can fail.
Although it may take a few days to adjust to flossing your dental implants, don’t be nervous. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Choose the Right Floss: Use high-quality dental floss that has earned the ADA’s Seal of Acceptance.
2. Use the Right Technique: Wrap about 12 to 18 inches of dental floss around your middle fingers to create a 2–3-inch space. Gently slide the floss up and down the crown and dental implant. Create a C-shape around the base of the restoration and work the floss back out.
3. Consider Your Options: If standard dental floss is too difficult to work with, consider using a waterflosser to keep your gums healthy.
With the right maintenance at home and regular care from a dentist, you can keep infection at bay. However, if you develop red, swollen, or bleeding gums, schedule an appointment with your dentist right away.
About Dr. David Tillman
Dr. Tillman earned his dental degree from the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston and has completed over 2500 hours of post-graduate education. He has advanced training in many specialties, including dental implants and bone grafting. If you need an implant dentist you can trust, contact our office today for an appointment.