Long-Term Maintenance Tips for Dental Implants

Considering dental implants? Read on to learn more. Dental implants can replace a missing tooth while providing jawbone stimulation, keeping the entire socket area healthy. In fact, these installations are so resilient that patients can usually enjoy them for many decades. However, to get the most out of a tooth implant, it is essential to understand how to take care of it the right way. Long-term maintenance is simple, but it needs to be done with intention.

How to take care of dental implants

While dental implants are strong, they are not invincible. Proper maintenance can keep your implant functional and visually appealing for many years.

Maintain normal oral hygiene

Even though an implant is made of artificial, biocompatible materials and is not subject to decay in the same way that natural enamel is, good oral hygiene is still non-negotiable. If you fail to clean your mouth properly, the bacteria collecting on and around the implant can lead to gingivitis.

Gingivitis irritates the gums, leading to inflammation and possibly even gum recession. As the gums weaken, they gradually stop supporting the implant. This can lead it to become loose in the socket and eventually fail entirely. Keep up with brushing and flossing, including around the implant.

Avoid problematic foods

Some foods can damage a dental implant if you are not careful. Hard items like popcorn kernels or ice can crack or chip the prosthetic tooth. Similarly, very sticky foods like taffy or gum can pull on the implant, weakening its bond with the jawbone.

Attend follow-ups

Once a dental implant is in place, it’s tempting to think that the process is over. However, attending your scheduled follow-up appointments and staying committed to regular dental checkups is important.

During these appointments, your dentist will take X-rays or scans to confirm that the implant is healing properly. This can reveal possible issues early, while they are still easy to treat, so you can continue to enjoy your implants for a lifetime.

Stop smoking

If you want to maintain your dental implants for years, quitting smoking is one of the biggest positive changes you can make. Smoking can lead to gum recession (which may loosen your implant, as described above). However, it can also lead to tooth discoloration, which may also change the shade of your implant. However, unlike natural teeth, implants don’t respond to whitening treatment.

Use specialized tools if necessary

Depending on the location of your dental implant, it might be hard to access with a toothbrush or floss. Specialized tools like floss threaders can make this process a lot easier. Ask your dentist about tools that can help you maintain your implants over time.