Page 69 - Are Dental Implants Right For You

68 | AREDENTALIMPLANTSRIGHTFORYOU?
– and some even come with “threaders” to help you
get around bridgework or connector bars.
The most important thing to do is floss with a material that you’re comfortable using. The dentist you choose for your dental implant surgery (or his/ her dental hygienist) can help teach you how to floss with implants, and help you select the product you like best for the job.
You have to rinse: Brushing and flossing releases bacteria and debris from your teeth, implants and gums, straight into your mouth. So rinsing all that out at the end of your oral hygiene routine is very important. You can also use a mouthwash to rinse more thoroughly, in order to protect against any bacteria that wants to make a home in your mouth and breed there.
You have to be gentle as well as thorough: Scratches on the metal surface of your implant posts and bar are a fabulous breeding ground for bacteria; so it’s important to avoid ANY tool or technique that may damage the surface of any part of your implant structure.