FL
A 61-year-old male asked:
My dentist is too busy to answer question. can i floss adjacent teeth starting the day after having a one stage dental implant surgical operation?
4 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. Theodore Davantzisanswered
Dentistry 42 years experience
Unfortunate: It is so unfortunate that your provider has no time to talk to you. Flossing should not be a problem as long as you don't disturb the surgical site. This issue as well as many others should be a part of your post op instructions. Make it so.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. Anthony Marraanswered
Dentistry 13 years experience
Floss gently: Flossing is key component of implant home care. Don't aggressively floss around the area and disturb the health tissue. Gently floss the areas adjacent to the implant site. Don't use a water pic this will cause blunting of the supporting soft tissue and can actually push bacteria down into the implant site causing perio implantitis.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Paul Grinanswered
Pain Management 38 years experience
Highly Recommended: It is highly recommended to use unwaxed tape or implant-specific floss. Make sure to floss at least every night, though ideally after every meal.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. Justin Nelsonanswered
Pediatric Dentistry 18 years experience
I would wait: Granted I appreciate your wanting to floss but due to the surgical site still healing (possibly with sutures) I would not floss directly around that area for a week at least. You still want to gently brush the area but please wait on flossing the area
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Mar 27, 2016
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