Extra oral implant care

A patient guide for care and maintenance of extra oral implants

Your extra oral implant is the anchor for a facial prosthesis, so regular care and hygiene is essential to ensure their effectiveness

Skin care

Check the skin around each abutment (a visible connector piece fixed onto a maxillofacial implant which connects with the magnet placed within the facial prosthesis) on a daily basis and report irritations or unusual findings to your surgical care team. The skin underneath where your prosthesis sits must be cleaned every day. This can be done in the bath/shower, or at bedtime. If you have had radiation treatment, be especially careful in your skin care regime.

You can create a homemade saline solution of one cup warm water and half a teaspoon of salt. Applying this using a cotton bud will ease removal of any crusting if your implants are in the nasal region; a soft toothbrush can be used if they are in the orbit or auricular areas. Crusting and bleeding may occur occasionally but if this regularly occurs, seek advice from your surgical care team.

If the tissue looks inflamed, red or sore, ensure the area is kept clean (see above). If after 72 hours the condition continues, persists or worsens, contact your local GP or the surgical care team for an appointment.

Cleaning around the abutment

Good hygiene around the abutments, bars, magnets etc. is vital to the life of your implant and the area must be cleaned daily.

Using a mild soap and a soft toothbrush, or cotton bud and homemade saline solution, gently wipe around the abutment, removing any crust and fluids that may have accumulated. Gently rinse the area and pat dry.

Cleaning the prosthesis

Detailed instructions on how to clean your prosthesis should be supplied at the time of fitting. Speak to your Maxillofacial Prosthetist should you require further information or guidance.

Further information

If your feel your implant feels loose, contact the maxillofacial laboratory on 01223 596037 to arrange an appointment.