If you have existing natural teeth, you can use a fluoride-based mouthwash. Otherwise, you can opt for one with antiseptic chlorhexidine added to it like Curasept or Savacol. It's important to note that any mouthwash with chlorhexidine can stain if used daily — so only use this 1-2 times a week.
The day after surgery, the chlorhexidine oral rinse should be used twice daily, after breakfast and before bed. Be sure to rinse for at least 30 seconds then spit it out. Warm salt water rinses (teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) may be used at least 4-5 times a day as well, especially after meals.
Mouth Rinses
Use Peridex only during the first 2 weeks of healing. NOTE: Peridex may cause alteration of taste perception during use and may increase staining of teeth and other oral surfaces. To avoid this, use Peridex only during the first 2 weeks of the healing process. There is no need for prolonged use.
For about a month after dental implant surgery you will want to avoid using mouthwash. In the days immediately following surgery, you will also want to avoid spitting or swishing vigorously because this can irritate the surgical site.
Rinse with salt water
A salt water rinse always provides benefits to the entire mouth as a whole, but especially after a dental implant surgery is done. Rinse 2-3 times a day after the procedure, this will reduce the chance of infection while also cleansing the entire mouth.
Keeping your mouth clean after surgery is essential to reduce the risk of infection. Start rinsing your mouth with warm salt water (1/2 tsp. salt with 1 cup water) every 2-3 hours. Continue this for several days, then rinse 3-4 times a day for the next 2 weeks.
If you were prescribed chlorhexidine mouthwash (Peridex™), begin rinsing 2 days following your treatment. Rinse twice a day for 10 days, and do not eat or drink anything for 1 hour after rinsing.
When Is it OK to Use Mouthwash? Although mouthwash can help keep your mouth clean, you should not use an oral rinse within the first 24 hours after a tooth extraction or oral surgery. Rinsing your mouth can loosen the healing tissue, dislodging blood clots and exposing surgery sites.
Do's for Dental Implant Care
DO choose a low-abrasive, tartar-control toothpaste. Using a normal OTC toothpaste containing fluoride is OK. There is no need to choose a special type of toothpaste, but look for the ADA Seal of Approval to find the ideal options. DO use a Waterpik flosser.
It is also helpful for people with implants or braces. These must be cleaned in all their niches exceptionally well and the best, safest and easiest way is with a sonic toothbrush, particularly with a Curaprox Hydrosonic.»
Use toothpaste that lacks abrasive ingredients such as baking soda or stain-remover agents, since these ingredients may wear on acrylic and remove glaze from porcelain implants. Look for toothpaste specifically made for use on dental implants, or ask your dentist for toothpaste recommendations.
Water flossers use a steady stream of water that can reach around implants, between teeth, and under gumlines where flossing cannot reach. Simply trace the water flosser around each implant and tooth to clean the areas immediately next to the gums. Pause between each of your teeth to flush those spaces as well.
Non-abrasive, tartar control toothpaste is best suited to care for the surface of the implant. Avoid toothpaste with baking soda, too much fluoride, and those designed for smokers. Cleaning between teeth is particularly important, so flossing once or twice daily is a key step to proper care of dental implants.
Warm salt water rinses (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used at least 4-5 times a day as well, especially after meals. Brush your teeth and the healing abutments. Be gentle initially while brushing the surgical areas.
Don't rinse for the first 24 hours, and this will help your mouth to start healing. After this time use a salt-water mouthwash, which helps to heal the socket. A teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water gently rinsed around the socket twice a day can help to clean and heal the area.
Don't eat or drink for 30 minutes after using a fluoride mouthwash.
Savacol Antiseptic Mouth and Throat rinse Mint contains chlorhexidine gluconate and alcohol. ALWAYS READ THE LABEL. CHLORHEXIDINE CAN CAUSE SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTIONS. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE.
Do not rinse your mouth with water immediately after using chlorhexidine, since doing so will increase the bitterness. Rinsing may also decrease the effect of the medicine. Chlorhexidine may change the way foods taste to you. Sometimes this effect may last up to 4 hours after you use the oral rinse.
However, when used for longer than four weeks chlorhexidine mouthwash can lead to tooth staining and a build-up of chalky deposits on the teeth, called tartar.
Swelling can last for a few days or up to two weeks after the surgical procedure. The swelling is not usually noticeable until around 24 hours after surgery and may continue to increase up to 2-3 days after surgery. After that, the swelling should decrease slowly but may be present for up to 10 days.
If your surgeon placed a silver healing abutment over the dental implant, begin cleaning the abutment after 24 hours with a Q-tip moistened with tap water and with a small amount of toothpaste. It is important to keep the abutment clean to allow proper healing of the surrounding gum tissue.
Avoid vigorous rinsing, spitting, smoking, carbonated soda drinks, and drinking through a straw for the first 2 weeks after surgery as this may interrupt the healing process.
If you had stitches placed in your gums they will dissolve and fall out on their own in approximately 1 to 2 weeks. You may experience a few drops of blood in your saliva or minor discomfort when this occurs. If they come out earlier it is not usually a concern unless persistent bleeding occurs.