Can I use an electric toothbrush after dental implant placement?

Woman Holding ToothbrushSavvy patients realize that good dental hygiene is important after they have dental implants placed. Otherwise, you run the risk of further tooth or bone loss due to gum disease or decay. These patients may also realize that an electric toothbrush tends to be far superior at reducing plaque and tartar than a manual toothbrush. Yet, dental implant patients may be concerned that the toothbrush’s vibrations can interfere with the stability of the bone at the implant site.

One significant advantage of dental implants is that they rarely require any maintenance beyond good oral hygiene. This holds true when it comes to the type of toothbrush that can be used after dental implant placement. You can always ask your oral surgeon for more specific guidance, but in most cases, after the patient has healed fully from dental implant placement, the use of an electric toothbrush is perfectly safe for your implants.

During the months immediately following the implant placement procedure as the site is healing and new bone forming, consult with your oral surgeon about the best oral hygiene instruments and techniques. After the healing period, you may even be encouraged to use an electric toothbrush because it is so much more effective at removing plaque than a manual toothbrush. Be sure that you are using good technique while using the electronic toothbrush. Don’t press too hard (which can also damage biological tooth enamel) on the teeth or around the gum line. Keep in mind that you should alert the dental hygienist who cleans your teeth about your dental implants, as he or she may need to use different instruments to clean around the restoration.

Talk to our surgeons to determine what oral hygiene tools, like an electric toothbrush, you should have and use in your home care routine so that you can prevent gum disease and other oral health problems. When it is advised, the technology can help you keep a clean, healthy smile.

Call us today at Oral Surgery Associates of North Texas to schedule a consultation with our caring team to discuss your personal treatment plan.