How to Ensure Your Dental Implants Last
Dental implants at Deer Creek Dental Clinic are a long-lasting, natural-looking solution for missing teeth, but their success depends greatly on proper care. With the right routine and attention, implants can last decades, often a lifetime.
Here’s how to ensure your dental implants stay healthy, functional, and beautiful for years.
Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene
Even though implants aren’t natural teeth, they still require diligent care. Plaque and bacteria can accumulate around the gum line, potentially leading to peri-implantitis—a gum disease-like condition that threatens implant stability. Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and use low-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the implant surface. Floss daily, ideally with implant-specific or interdental brushes designed for prosthetic cleaning.
Use the Right Tools
Tools like antimicrobial mouth rinses, water flossers, or rubber-tipped gum stimulators can help clean hard-to-reach areas around your implant. Your dentist or hygienist may also recommend using a proxabrush to clean more effectively between the implant and adjacent teeth.
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
Professional maintenance is critical. See our team every six months (or more frequently if advised) for exams and cleanings. These visits help detect early signs of gum inflammation, bone loss, or implant loosening. Your dental team will also use special instruments that won’t scratch your implant crown or post.
Avoid Harmful Habits
Dental implants are durable, but not indestructible. Avoid chewing on complex objects like ice, pens, or fingernails, which can chip or loosen crowns. Smoking is another primary concern—it impairs blood flow to the gums and significantly increases the risk of implant failure. If you grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist about a custom night guard to protect your implants and natural teeth.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Proper nutrition supports gum health and bone strength, both essential for implant longevity. Incorporate calcium-rich foods, leafy greens, and foods high in Vitamin D. Limit sugary snacks and drinks that may contribute to gum inflammation.
Deer Creek Dental Clinic is Here to Help
Your dental implants can remain strong and functional for many years with proper daily care, regular dental visits, and healthy habits. Treat them like natural teeth—and they’ll reward you with a confident, healthy smile for life.
Do you have more questions about how to best care for your dental implants, or are you a good candidate for them? Contact our team today!
