Dental Implants

[jeanie1234]

I have had a dental implant for approximately 1 1/2 yrs. now. I have never experienced any discomfort or pain from it. I had my teeth cleaned 3 weeks ago and the dental hygenist used metal instruments on the tooth. For 2 - weeks had a warm feeling in the jaw and soreness which I immediately reported to the dentist. I faithfully rinsed with salt and warm water and floss daily. The warm feeling has passed however I still have a soreness which almost feels like an air bubble is under the tooth. I returned to the dentist last week who said it looked fine and took an x-ray and saw no change from 3 weeks ago. He advised me to floss putting a knot in the floss to clean the area well.
Is this something that will just take time to heal? Do you think when the hygenist used the metal instrument to clean around the tooth, (which made me jump) scratched the gum area or is the perimucosal seal comprised?
Thank you!

[jeanie1234]

Thank you!

[dierdre447]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_npmv=3&_trksid=m570.l2736&_nkw=Expanding+floss

[dierdre447]

Wisdom make it and so do Oral B.   If you are in the UK, Asda have their own brand expanding floss . Sometimes called Superfloss. You will get it on eBay too.

[jeanie1234]

Which brand makes an expanding floss?

[dierdre447]

Expanding floss is great for cleaning round implants.

[jeanie1234]

Thank you. You don't know how much you just set my mind at ease. However, because I've been so concerned with keeping it exceptionally clean after my dental cleaning incident I have been using an alcohol free mouthwash. During the night I've experienced a metal taste in my mouth.
I will take your advice for proper maintenance. Should my implant be checked periodically to monitor any changes? If so, who would do that the dentist or oral surgeon?

Thanks so much :-)

[scottma]

I personally don't recommend daily use of mouth rinse, which may interfere normal microbiological ecology.Proper maintenance of implant is essential, which includes interdental brush, floss, and tooth brush. Mechanical cleaning is indispensible. Implant is generally cleaned by plastic instrument or meticulous cleaning of metal instrument. You may need to inform your hygienist which tooth or teeth is implant supported restoration, so that she may avoid routine cleaning procedure for implant. one routine dental cleaning does not likely cause permanent damage of implant.

[jeanie1234]

Also, do you think 1 cleaning with a metal instrument would have caused permenent damage?

[jeanie1234]

Thank you for your reply. Do you really think it is this serious, since I never had any problems prior to my dental cleaning a few weeks ago. What can I do preventitvely to avoid a serious issue? Is there a mouthwash or something specific for implants to keep them healthy?

Thanks again!

[scottma]

It appears you are describing perilimplant issues. Periodontal probing and x ray exam can generally establish definite diagnosis, if your dentist is willing to be honest. If your dentist does,nt solve your problem, you may need to seek second opinion.