Good oral hygiene must take place before, during, and after placement of dental implants to ensure the health of the implant. Dr Rahaus and Dr Smith will discuss the care specific to your procedure and continue to monitor this during your regular reviews.

Several studies have been conducted regarding what type of toothbrush is most effective for implants. The results show no significant difference between sonic, electric, or manual

toothbrushes. The main focus needs to be on adaptation to the prosthesis. Patients should brush the implant(s) twice daily to remove bacterial plaque. A soft toothbrush should be used; options include a manual brush, electric, or sonic brush (examples include Oral-B Triumph, Sonicare, and Waterpik Sensonic Plus), Sulcabrush, or end-tuft brush.

There are many types of floss on the market, and generally it is highly recommended to use unwaxed tape or implant-specific floss in order to protect the tissue surrounding the implant. Alternatively, for a bar-retained prostheses, full fixed retained prostheses, or wider interproximal spaces, a floss threader or a specialised floss that has a built-in threader is necessary.

To floss the implant, use dental tape and insert the floss in contacts on both sides of the implant. Wrap in a circle and crisscross in front, switch hands, and move in a shoe-shine motion into the peri-implant crevice.

In addition, mouth rinses may be recommended, especially if inflammation is present or if the patient has dexterity problems, and difficult-to-reach areas.