Floss will not pass between two new crowns over implants

[Eric2005]

New implants are comfortable but I cannot get floss between two top molar crowns over implants. Dentist says to use gum picks. A gum pick only enters at the very top. Will this situation, inability to use floss, create problems for me?

 

[Dr M]

Are the implant crowns fused together? Sometimes this is done to increase strength and stability of the implants.

 

[Eric2005]

Are the implant crowns fused together? Sometimes this is done to increase strength and stability of the implants.

I don't know. But if that was not the intention, what I'd like to know if the inability to use floss is going to create problems.

 

[Dr M]

No, it should not, if you clean with inter-dental brushes. Continue to go for your regular check-ups. The bone and gum level around the implants can then be monitored.

 

[Eric2005]

No, it should not, if you clean with inter-dental brushes. Continue to go for your regular check-ups. The bone and gum level around the implants can then be monitored.

Thanks. I had to look up interdental brushes. This is not the same as the Gum Picks, right? The interdental brushes seem to have a brush like surface, thicker than the picks. In either case they will only enter at the gum line, so from what you say I should be OK if I observe good hygiene. Is all this correct?

 

[Dr M]

Yes. This is correct

 

[Eric2005]

Yes. This is correct

Thanks. Someone mentioned a TePe brush. Would this be more effective?

 

[Dr M]

TePe brushes are also a form of interdental brushes. The only have a rubber point instead of bristles.

 

[Eric2005]

TePe brushes are also a form of interdental brushes. The only have a rubber point instead of bristles.

Which one do you recommend? Thanks

 

[Dr M]

TePe is nice, since they last longer.

 

[Eric2005]

TePe is nice, since they last longer.

Thanks for advice. Most important to me is that I will not have future problems if I maintain good hygiene and use TePe at the gum line of the two crowns. Why they are joined I don't know. Seems to me that they should have been returned to the lab for modification.

 

[Dr M]

Like I said-might be for strength and stability. It is not uncommon.

 

[Eric2005]

Like I said-might be for strength and stability. It is not uncommon.

Thank for your comments. I feel relieved that this is not a problem.