After your dental implant surgery, it is important to keep the area around the implant clean and free of debris. If bacteria accumulates around the implanted device, a condition called peri-implantitis may develop. Peri-implantitis is a type of gum disease. The condition occurs as the gums around the implant wound become inflamed. Until peri-implantitis is resolved, it may impair the healing of the implant wound and prevent osseointegration. Osseointegration is the process that results in the integration, or connection. of the implant to the jawbone. If the process fails, the implant cannot stabilize in the bone. 

Luckily, peri-implantitis can be avoided. Here are a few ways to lessen your chance of incurring this type of gingival inflammation after the placement of your dental implant.

Use an Oral Irrigator

An oral irrigator is a dental device that releases a concentrated water stream that can be used to clear debris from the mouth. The irrigator releases the water from a wand that permits the user to direct the stream at specific areas of the mouth. Thus, the water can clear plaque and bacteria from areas around dental implants. 

Users can control the pressure of the water stream using the controls on the irrigator, ensuring that the force of the water is not uncomfortable but is still strong enough to flush out debris. Additionally, they may be able to adjust the pulsation of the stream.

Use an Antibacterial Mouth Rinse

An antibacterial mouth rinse can help reduce the number of harmful bacteria in the oral cavity. The inflammation of the gums is primarily caused by acids that are released by the bacteria as digestive byproducts. 

When the microbes feed on carbohydrates in the mouth, the waste that they release is acidic. Many people associate the bacterial acids with the decay of the teeth because the acids dissolve the tooth material. However, the acids are also inflammatory to the sensitive tissues of the gums. inciting gum disease, including peri-implantititis. As bacterial numbers decline, so does the amount of inflammatory acid in the mouth.

Brush and Floss

The dental implant is not made of organic material that can decay. However, the gums that surround the device are still affected by the bacteria in their environment. As bacteria-containing plaque builds up on the teeth and soft tissues in the mouth, the environment becomes increasingly inflammatory to the gums around the implant. To reduce the amount of plaque in the oral cavity, you should continue your regular brushing and flossing habits.

For more information about maintaining your dental implants, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your local area.