Dental Implant Care and Maintenance

Now that you have dental implants, you need to know how to care for them, right?

Or maybe you’re just thinking about replacing your dentures with implants but need to know what kind of care they’ll require before you make a final decision.

Either way, if you’re accustomed to daily brushing and flossing, you won’t need to change your routine. One of the many great benefits of dental implants is that their care and maintenance is very similar to that of natural teeth.

Brush your dental implants and teeth

Keep your teeth (and your implants) plaque-free with the use of low-abrasive, tartar control toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. You can use either manual or electric, whichever you prefer. Brush gently at least twice a day.

Floss your dental implants and teeth

Removing plaque and food particles out from between your implants is just as important as removing them from between your teeth. Your gums are at risk if you allow bacteria to grow there. Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone that supports your teeth (and your implants).

Mouth Rinse to reduce plaque on dental implants

You may want to add an antimicrobial mouth rinse to your daily oral care routine. It will help reduce plaque, prevent or reduce gingivitis (an early stage of gum disease), and reduce the speed of tartar formation. This addition to your routine is good for both your teeth and your implants. It will also help kill the bacteria that cause bad breath.

Dental visits to check on dental implants

The longevity of your dental implants (they can last a lifetime!) requires teamwork with your dentist.  Although your replacement teeth cannot get cavities the way your natural teeth can, they are subject to the same wear and tear. During regular professional exams, your dentist will perform the cleaning and X-rays that help ensure that your implants remain in great condition.

Stop smoking for dental implant longevity

Researchers have found that smoking increases the likelihood of implant failure. One study found that the implant failure rate was 15.8% in smokers and only 1.4% in non-smokers. If you need help quitting, ask your doctor or dentist for support options.

Is dental implant care and maintenance really that easy?

Pretty much, yes. The simple maintenance is one thing that makes dental implants such a great alternative to dentures and other tooth-replacement options. Not only do implants work like natural teeth, allowing you the freedom to eat, laugh, and kiss without fear of your teeth shifting around in your mouth, but they’re also easy to care for.

If you’d like to schedule a consultation for dental implants or All-On-Four (a full set of teeth in a single day!), give us a call at Town Center Dentistry in Rancho Bernardo. Our world-class dental implant specialists have extensive training and experience, as well as high levels of skill, compassion, and professionalism.

Or, if you want more information about dental implants or any of our other services, we’re happy to answer your questions.