Medical Disclaimer:

Using a soft-bristle toothbrush is essential as the soft bristles are gentle on the implant surface and minimize the risk of scratching or causing gum irritation. When brushing your teeth, it's important to use toothbrush in small, circular motions rather than aggressive scrubbing. This Brushing Technique helps remove plaque and debris effectively without putting excessive pressure on the dental implants or surrounding tissues. Remember, gentle and consistent brushing with a soft-bristle toothbrush is key to keeping your dental implants clean and maintaining their longevity.

Using a low-abrasive toothpaste is essential for maintaining the integrity of dental implants. When cleaning your dental implants at home, choose a non-abrasive toothpaste which is specifically formulated for dental implants or low in abrasiveness and gentle on the implant surface. Some toothpaste brands contain baking soda or other abrasive substances that can scratch the implant surface. Check the toothpaste packaging and read the ingredients list. Look for toothpaste that is labeled as "non-abrasive" or "gentle." Avoid toothpaste that advertises deep cleaning or whitening properties, as they often have higher abrasiveness.

When cleaning your dental implants at home, you should pay attention to the gumline: Properly clean the area where the dental implant meets the gums. Plaque and bacteria can accumulate in this area, leading to Implant infection or Loose Implant. Angle your toothbrush slightly to reach and clean along the gumline effectively. By cleaning all surfaces of your dental implants, including the crown or prosthetic tooth, implant post, and gumline, you can effectively maintain oral hygiene and prevent complications.

Rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash and salt water rinses are an excellent addition to your dental implant cleaning routine. Use a mouthwash that is alcohol-free, as alcohol can cause dryness and irritation. Remember that both antimicrobial mouthwash and salt water rinses are a supplement to your regular brushing and flossing routine. It helps reduce bacteria and maintain oral hygiene, but it should not replace proper oral care practices. 

Medical Disclaimer:

Sometimes, the initial root canal treatment may not completely eliminate the infection or adequately clean the root canals. The curvature in Roots or incomplete root canal filling due to decreased mouth opening are the most common causes that can lead to a recurrence of symptoms, such as pain or swelling, necessitating root canal retreatment.

A previously treated tooth can develop a new infection if bacteria re-enter the tooth due to factors like decay, cracks, or dental trauma. In such cases, root canal retreatment is needed to address the new infection and save the tooth.

After a root canal treatment, a dental restoration, such as a filling or crown, is placed on the tooth. This restoration helps to seal the tooth and protect it from further damage. If the restoration becomes compromised due to factors like trauma, decay, or wear, bacteria can infiltrate the tooth through the cracks or openings. This can lead to reinfection of the root canal system. A cracked, broken, or damaged restoration may be accompanied by symptoms such as pain, sensitivity, swelling, or a recurring abscess. These signs indicate the need for root canal retreatment to address the reinfection. If you suspect that the restoration on your root canal-treated tooth is compromised, it is crucial to consult with a dentist or endodontist. They will examine the tooth, assess the condition of the restoration, and determine the appropriate course of action. If root canal retreatment is necessary, the dentist will remove the damaged restoration, clean the canals, and disinfect the tooth to eliminate the infection. The canals are then filled with new filling material, and a new restoration is placed to seal the tooth. Depending on the extent of damage, different restoration options may be considered. It can range from a simple filling to a crown, depending on the amount of tooth structure remaining and the functional requirements.Remember, addressing a cracked, broken, or damaged restoration promptly is crucial to prevent reinfection and preserve the tooth. Regular dental check-ups and maintaining good oral hygiene practices can help detect any issues with the restoration early on.

Lingering pain in tooth, sensitivity to hot or cold, or swelling around a previously root canal treated tooth could indicate an unresolved or persisting infection. In such cases, root canal retreatment is performed to address the underlying cause of the persistent symptoms.

In some instances, the original root canal treatment may have missed certain canals or complex anatomy, leading to a reinfection. Root Canal Retreatment involves identifying and cleaning these missed canals to ensure complete eradication of infection.

If you are experiencing symptoms or have concerns about a previously treated tooth, it is essential to consult with a dentist or endodontist. They can evaluate your situation and determine if root canal retreatment is necessary to save your tooth and restore your oral health.Remember, each case is unique, and the need for root canal retreatment depends on various factors. Early detection and prompt treatment can significantly increase the chances of a successful outcome and long-term tooth preservation.

Medical Disclaimer:

Fact: Dry socket is not a contagious problem. It is a localised condition that occurs at the site of a tooth extraction and has shown no scientific evidence of being transmitted from one person to another.

Fact: Although dry socket is more commonly associated with wisdom tooth extraction due to the complex nature of these tooth extractions but it can occur after the any tooth extraction. The risk of developing dry socket depends on various factors, including the individual's oral health, technique and trauma to the tissues caused during the extraction.

Fact: Antibiotics are generally not prescribed to prevent dry socket by dental experts unless when they suspect an underlying infection. The primary prevention method for dry socket is maintaining good oral hygiene and following post-extraction instructions provided by the dentist. While dry socket can eventually heal on its own, it can be an uncomfortable and prolonged process. Seeking professional dental care and following the recommended treatment plan can help alleviate pain and promote faster healing.

Fact: While dry socket can be a painful and uncomfortable condition, it does not always require additional surgical intervention. In most cases, proper management and supportive care, such as cleaning the extraction site and applying medicated dressings, can promote healing and alleviate symptoms.

Fact: While dental probiotics have shown promise in promoting oral health, their specific role in preventing or treating dry socket requires further research and clinical evidence. It is important to note that dental probiotics should not be considered as a standalone treatment for dry socket, but rather as a potential complementary approach alongside standard care and preventive measures. If you are experiencing dry socket or have concerns about your oral health, it is recommended to consult your dentist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Medical Disclaimer:

Our Dental AI assistant has transformed the dental landscape, offering accessible, efficient, and personalized support to both our patients and dental professionals. While the assistant is a valuable tool, it's important to remember that he work in conjunction with our dental professionals, enhancing their capabilities rather than replacing them. With ongoing advancements in AI technologies, the future of dental care looks promising, further improving oral health outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Medical Disclaimer:

It is highly recommended that you get your personalised recommendations for oral probiotic use based on your specific needs from your dentist who will help you help you determine the optimal duration and dosage of probiotics for your dental health. Not all probiotics are the same, and there are various options available in both prescription and over-the-counter forms. The duration of taking dental probiotics can also vary depending on individual circumstances. Some patients may experience noticeable improvements in the balance of oral bacteria and reduction in bad breath within a few days to a week of starting probiotic treatment. However, it is generally recommended to continue taking oral probiotics for at least 30 days to evaluate their effectiveness.

Medical Disclaimer:

Dental Implant Treatment Stage II is also known as "Uncovering stage" or "Gingival Abutment placement" or "Healing Abutment placement" stage. Your Dentist has decided to proceed with Dental Implant Treatment Stage II once sufficient healing time has lapsed after the Stage I and your Implants have fused with your jaw bone. If your implant was “buried” under the tissues, the implants were uncovered and a “healing abutment” or "Gingival Abutment" was placed. A Gingival Abutment is a small, round component that is attached to the implant which contours and shapes the gum tissue so it is ready for the impressions and final steps. You must wait from 5 Days to 2 weeks after the uncover and healing cap placement appointment before seeing your general dentist for the final impressions.

The dental office will reschedule your appointment after 7 to 10 days to remove the sutures if any.

Avoid hot and crunchy hard food for the first 24hrs. You can eat soft food after dental implant surgery as the local anaesthesia wears off. Avoid chewing directly from the Gingival Abutment site. You can resume a regular diet if you feel you are up to it. Please stay well hydrated and nourished as this will help you heal faster. In the first 48 hrs post surgery, it is strictly recommended to have soft diet that minimizes the irritation and food lodgement in the Gingival Abutment site.Try to keep food away from the surgical area for as long as possible. Rinse after eating to keep the area clean.

You can brush your teeth, avoiding the Gingival Abutment site area next day morning. Be gentle and avoid spiting or rinsing forcefully. You have to be very gentle. Rinse your toothbrush under hot water to soften the bristles and avoid vigorous extensive rinsing. Rinse the mouth keep the area clean following every meal so that food particles do not get stuck in the treated area..This will reduce the chances of developing an infection around the Gingival Abutment site. Using the antibiotic mouthwash as prescribed by your doctor also helps in reducing the chance of infection. These are a list of cleaning products that can be used to clean the treated area:

• Toothbrush: Use a soft bristles toothbrush to remove food debris and plaque accumulation as they will prevent gum damage as well as disruption of the blood clot . Electric toothbrush with soft bristles can also be used as it works more effectively than manual toothbrushes due to greater number of strokes generated than the human hand.
• Water Flosser: A dental flosser/ water flosser is an oral health appliance that provides a stream of pulsating water to floss between your teeth and below the gumline. They are design and attached with rubber-tip stimulators and other attachments to effectively clean difficult to access areas as deep as 6 mm . Most dentists recommend water flossers over dental floss due to their ease of use and effective cleaning. 
• Sulcus Brush: It is a specialized brush for cleaning and removing food debris and plaque from the gums and below the gumline into the sulcus. It is one-third the size of a regular toothbrush and can be used in a gentle back & forth sweeping motion at the level where your tooth and gum meet.  It makes dental implants and denture care more easier and effective.

The content of ADC-Centre for Restorative and Implant Dentistry's Blog/website is for information only, not advice or guarantee of any outcome. Information is gathered and shared from reputable sources; however, ADC-Centre for Restorative and Implant Dentistry is not responsible for errors or omissions in reporting or explanation.  No individuals, including those under our active care, should use the information, resources or tools contained within to self-diagnosis or self-treat any health-related condition. ADC-Centre for Restorative and Implant Dentistry gives no assurance or warranty regarding the accuracy, timeliness or applicability or the content.

ADC have created a newsletter with information to help you care for your teeth and to keep you up to date with the latest advances in oral care. Our Latest Newsletter is now available to download – Issue 10, January 2023. Inside this issue: 

Don’t worry: Even if you first encountered pain while bitting on a soft cake its not a big deal - and your dentist needs to know the truth to treat you better. Please don't be embarrassed with us.  Assessment of timing and occurrence of pain will help us evaluate wether the signs and symptoms are Acute or Chronic. Moreover it also helps the dentists to narrow the differential diagnosis.

Conversation between you and dentists, will give far more information to the dentists. X-rays, OPG's or CBCT and other imaging technologies are very helpful but only 5% of the time the Imaging/X-rays alone will tell the Dentists, whats is wrong. In-fact there can be abnormalities seen on X-rays/Opgs which can be unrelated to your pain. Most of the times the Dentists achieve the diagnosis on the basis of conversations which are then clinically and Radiologically correlated. 

You should have reasonable expectations for dental recovery. As Dr Mohit explains to one of the patients, "You are not a youngster. Your smile or biting power cant be the same at all ages nor will you recover from dental implants in coming weeks to have smile and bite as a youngster. That youngster guy is 25 years old and you are 58 years old and you haven't cared for your teeth for your whole life". You have to be rational and narrow down your expectations for recovery. 

You may know someone or your friend who encountered a similar dental problem or may have got himself/herself treated for similar condition. For better or worse, please do not assume his or her dental treatment plan or treatment outcomes will be exactly same as yours. "Every patient has an individualised set of dental circumstances that can not be applied or compared to another patient", says Dr R. Dhawan while explaining situation to her patient. 

It is smart to seek a Second dental opinion or even a third dental opinion. But when you meet our dental specialists, don't repeat everything you have been told by other doctors. Repeating what Dr A, Dr. B, or Dr. C said doesn't give our dental specialists an original look at your problems.

Patients are recommended not to wait too long for their follow up appointments. Do see dental specialists for dental pains, sensitivity that persists for more than 3 days or other dental issues. Report for regular follow up appointments every 6 months. Follow up with implant specialists for regular implant follow ups. Do not take any over the counter available pain killers or self prescribe with pain killers. It can aggravate your dental problems. 

Some patients rush to dental specialists with every pain or query. Certain minor dental problems such as Mouth Ulcers, can be due to Vitamin deficiencies or can be stress induced. They can be treated with rest, multi-vitamin supplements. Pain after surgeries or dental procedures can be treated with rest, home remedies, and over the counter anti-inflammatory drugs and pain pills. If you come to see our Dental Specialists for these minor problems, thats what our dental specialists are going to advise you.

It is highly recommended that you should not treat yourself and it has been found that self prescription of medications and evaluation from internet and other sources such as Google and wikipedia are most common. Self prescription is of particular concern and widespread. A study recently concluded that as many as 45% of individuals try to self prescribe dental problems. 

"As a Dental Implant Specialist, I make my living operating on tooth extractions and dental implants. However only people with a surgical diagnosis and who have exhausted all other dental treatment and conservative options are offered tooth extraction or dental implant surgery. That is far less than 5%," says Dr Mohit Dhawan, MDS (Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry).  Dr Mohit Dhawan does about one tooth extraction or dental implant surgery per 14 patients. 

"Most people are worried about the dental treatment, but dental treatment is our Job. The real challenge for patients is in the recovery period and duration," says Dr R. Dhawan. Your dental specialists will explain in more detail as to how long your recovery will take. Patients usually recover best when they put adequate time to focus on getting better and following the detailed instructions by our dental specialists. 

The content of ADC-Centre for Restorative and Implant Dentistry's Blog/website is for information only, not advice or guarantee of any outcome. Information is gathered and shared from reputable sources; however, ADC-Centre for Restorative and Implant Dentistry is not responsible for errors or omissions in reporting or explanation.  No individuals, including those under our active care, should use the information, resources or tools contained within to self-diagnosis or self-treat any health-related condition. ADC-Centre for Restorative and Implant Dentistry gives no assurance or warranty regarding the accuracy, timeliness or applicability or the content.