dental implant care

I had dental implant put in after my previously RCT'd & crowned second molar got infected for the 2nd time and was extracted. The implant was put in 6 months after the tooth extraction. The dental surgeon said my bone is very dense so upon putting in the implant, the abutment was also put in in the same session. However, due to the density of my bone, the implant could not be drilled all the way in, even with manual torquing, without risking loose threading (about 1mm left).

1. Will the slightly elevated implant+abutment cause any problems, if any?

2. I was told that I have to use a Chlorhexidine Gluconate gargle 2x a day for life. How important is this and how religiously do I have to follow this? Is there any harmful long term effect of using this gargle (it also has alcohol which I heard could cause cancer of the tongue or cheeks on prolonged use)?

[Matthew Baron, D.M.D.]

You made a good decision to go with the implant.  The slightly elevated implant with exposed threads although not ideal,  should not be a problem.  If you were told to follow a regimen of Chlorhex 2x a day, i would follow it, but in my opinion that is not necessary.  Brushing, flossing, rinsing and your regular check-up appointments with your dentist should be sufficient.

[stanstuf]

A related discussion, dental visits was started.

[derrydear]

A related discussion, dental implant care was started.