Without a doubt, dental implants are the long-term investment of your beautiful smile. They are meant to stand the test of time — but only when you take proper care of them. Just like your natural teeth, your implants also require regular maintenance to stay in top condition.
From daily care routines to professional checkups, there is much you can do to ensure they remain healthy and functional. So, how can you maintain and care for your dental implants? You’re being here proves that you’re committed to long-term care. So, without any further ado, let’s get to the point!
What Is Dental Implant Maintenance?
Dental implant maintenance means following a set of guidelines for care after your prosthetic teeth have been attached to the dental implant fittings.
Generally, maintenance for the implants begins on the day your dentist places the final prosthesis. Regular checkups ensure that everything is in place and that they function just like natural teeth. It ensures the longevity of your implant and prevents the signs of implant failure.
Why Dental Implant Care Matters?
Dental implants can last up to 20 years. However, that totally depends on your care and maintenance. Proper maintenance ensures hassle-free longevity and prevents implant failure.. In contrast, poor or no maintenance only leads to implant issues and complications.
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Ensure Optimal Oral Health:
Proper care of dental implants helps to maintain healthy gums and surrounding tissues. It ensures that the implants integrate smoothly with the jawbone and support oral health.
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Extend The Implant Lifespan:
Continuous maintenance, like cleaning and checkups, enhances the longevity of the implants. You can detect the issues early and address them promptly.
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Saves From Costly Treatments:
It is no wonder dental implants are an expensive investment. Regular care protects this investment, preventing costly complications and replacements.
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Improve The Quality of Life:
When you have well-maintained implants, you can enjoy improved chewing, speaking, and overall comfort. It enhances your quality of life and your confidence, keeping your implants in top shape.
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Prevent Implant Complications:
Proper care and maintenance of the implants prevent complications and damage. You can ensure your implants are stable and functional without any unnecessary treatments.
Problems That Can Occur Without Dental Implant Maintenance
Proper dental implant care and maintenance are a must to ensure the long-term success of dental implants. In contrast, poor maintenance leads to dental implant failure. Below, let’s have a quick overview of what problems you may experience due to poor dental implant maintenance.
I) Peri-implantitis
It is a gum infection that affects the area of dental implants. Here, the leading cause is poor oral hygiene, which causes plaque and bacteria to accumulate around the implant. It causes inflammation of the surrounding gum tissue. Over time, it can result in peri-implantitis [symptoms include gingival inflammation, bleeding, pus oozing, etc], leading to implant failure.
II) Gum recession
Gum recession means the loss of gum tissue in the gum line. Failure to practice proper oral hygiene habits leads to bacteria, plaque, tartar accumulation, and bone loss around the implants. It causes gum irritation and ultimately, results in gum recession.
III) Loose implant
Smoking, poor oral hygiene, or excessive pressure on the implants can weaken the implant’s stability. Due to poor dental implant maintenance, poor osseointegration (inadequate bonding of the implants with the jawbone) may occur, leading to loose or wobbly implants.
How To Maintain Dental Implants For Long-lasting Results? General Guidelines!
Considering caring for dental implants is just like brushing natural teeth? Well, not quite! Unlike our natural teeth, implants don’t have a natural defense against bacteria, causing complications without proper care. But don’t worry! Dental implant maintenance is simple with the right routine. Here is how!
The Do’s
Follow the below essential steps to keep your implants healthy, clean, and ensure the success of the implant surgery.
1. Brush Your Teeth 2x per day
One of the most effective ways to maintain good implant health is brushing twice daily. You should use a soft, brittle toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste specifically formulated for cleaning around the implants. Thoroughly clean all the surfaces of your teeth. This includes sides, chewing surfaces, tops, and gum lines.
True, a soft, brittle toothbrush or electric toothbrush will be adequate to clean your dental implants. However, special brushes can help ensure thorough cleaning of oral implants in hard-to-reach areas without damaging the implant surface.
Special Brushes Designed for Implants
Interdental brushes clean your dental implant sides easily and quickly. It is specially made to clean between your teeth and implants. Regular brushes can’t reach every part of your implant. That is how it becomes essential. Ask your dentist or specialist what size interdental brushes will be perfect for you.
You will need to brush your teeth thoroughly for the implant’s health. There are 3 types of toothbrushes you can use for cleaning purposes. I) Angled neck brushes: They are designed to clean the implant abutments from the inside. These types of brushes generally have slim heads that can reach tight spaces. Moreover, the soft bristles of the brush won’t damage your implants. II) Regular implant brushes: They are similar to angled neck brushes — narrow heads and soft filaments. However, they are better suited for cleaning the outside of your implants. III) Tufted brushes: They have round heads. These types of brushes are more suitable for cleaning the area where your implants meet the gums. |
2. Floss Twice Daily
In addition to brushing, you will also need to make sure to use dental floss two times a day. If you have single-tooth implants, you can use regular tooth floss. Just wrap it around the base of your implant and move the ends back and forth.
However, you should go for special implant floss in case you have a bar-type implant. It has thin, firm ends and a flexible, thick middle section to clean effectively between the implants and gums. You need to simply use the stiff thread to insert the floss and move the floss back and forth.
3. Use A Waterpik Flosser or An Oral Irrigator
The dentists, specialists, and dental hygienists also suggest using a Waterpik flosser or oral irrigator to clean your implants thoroughly. The tool also reduces plaque, inflammation, and bleeding and is proven to prevent infection. Of course, that is what you want!
Oral irrigators can be especially beneficial for patients with the All-on-4® dental implant. A water flosser is a gentler option. Its daily use can help to ensure the long-term success of your dental implants.
4. Rinse Your Mouth
It is also a good practice to rinse your mouth with mouthwash between meals. It helps to remove the bacteria and food particles that may linger after meals. It can lead to plaque and tartar buildup around the implant post without proper cleaning. Swish the mouthwash for 30 seconds to a minute. Ensure that it reaches all areas, including the implant site. Then spit it out and rinse your mouth with water.
As for mouthwashes, antiseptic mouthwashes, especially those containing chlorhexidine, are generally recommended following the implant procedure. You can also use fluoride-enriched mouthwash or natural and herbal mouthwashes to keep harmful bacteria at bay. Your dentist may also recommend you prescription or specialty mouthwashes depending on your specific oral health needs.
5. Address Teeth Grinding
There are some people who have a habit of grinding their teeth, especially while sleeping. the condition bruxism. Bruxism can happen unconsciously. However, it puts extra pressure on your implants. As a result, over time, it causes wear and tear and loosening of the implant components.
The constant clenching and grinding lead to complications like gum irritation or implant loosening. So, if you grind your teeth, you should use a night guard to protect your implants. You can also ask your dentist for custom-made night guards for a better fit and protection.
6. Attend Regular Dental Checkups
Finally, regular dental check-ups are essential to keep your dental implants in pristine condition. They will assess the condition of your implants and will address any potential issues early.
There is no one better than experts to monitor the health of the peri-implant tissues. Moreover, in these regular dental visits and the whole maintenance phase, you need to follow dental implant aftercare instructions carefully.
The Don’ts
Now that you know what should be done to maintain the dental implants, it is time to focus on what to avoid for the implant’s success. You need to take the right precautions and avoid certain habits for the sake of your dental implants. Here is an overview.
1. Abstain From Smoking And Alcohol
As we are all well aware, avoiding smoking or alcohol is a good idea for your health in general. However, it is particularly important for maintaining the health of your dental implants.
Always keep in mind that dental implants take about 6 months to heal completely. Smoking restricts the blood flow to your gums and jawbone and slows the recovery process. It can be detrimental to your implants. Moreover, alcohol consumption can interfere with the implant healing process and implant restoration. That’s why the dental team recommends abstaining from smoking and alcohol after the dental implant procedure.
2. Be Careful With Your Diet
One great thing about dental implants is that you can practically eat anything you want without any adjustments. However, it is important to be mindful of certain foods that can pose harm to the implants.
Certain foods like hard foods, sticky foods, or excessively sugary foods can damage the implants. Not to mention, these foods also cause damage to the opposing teeth.
- Hard foods: Nuts, dried fruits, hard candies, nougat, hard crusty bread
- Sticky foods: Chewing gums, caramels, toffees
- Sugary foods: Excessive sweets (they can harm the base of the crown)
3. Stop Chewing On Ice
Periodontists also recommend refraining from chewing on ice to ensure the longevity of your dental implants. Ice is a very hard substance, and it can put unnecessary stress on dental implants. Ultimately, it can potentially cause your replacement tooth to get damaged.
4. Avoid Abrasive Products
Whether it is toothpaste or mouthwash, you should always buy the one that is gentle to your implants as much as possible. That is because products that are too abrasive for dental implants can lead to extreme discomfort.
Plus, you should try to avoid oral hygiene products with intense flavors. For instance, cinnamon or mint. It can possibly create an uncomfortable feeling in your mouth.
5. Refrain From Attempting To Adjust Dental Implants
Last but not least, you should avoid attempting to adjust or scratch the implants. It should be done in the hands of the dentist or specialist. In case you are experiencing any kind of discomfort, instability, or any concerns after the dental implant treatment, you should contact your dentist.
What Do The Specialist Check-Ups Involve?
Regular visits to your dental hygienist will ensure that any potential issues have been taken care of from the start, with the maintenance such as –
I) Routine cleanings
During your regular checkups, the dental professional at the dental office will observe the gums to analyze the security of the dental implants and crown, abutment, and implant body for stability.
Moreover, he/she will clean the implant surface above the gum and the surrounding tissues. For this, generally, they use a specialized method named scaling to clean the implant below the surface. It is done to remove the plaque build-up below the gumline.
II) Probing depths
Probing checks the soft tissues around the implants and the areas near them. If the depth of the probe increases or bleeding happens more often, it can be a sign of bone loss or loosened implants. The dentist will then take action immediately.
III) Extra-oral examinations
With the extraoral examination, the specialists check the soft tissues around the implant. If the peri-implantitis is in the beginning stage, proper cleaning can help to reverse the signs of the problem.
IV) Radiographic examinations
The specialist takes regular X-rays to check and ensure that there is adequate bone level around the implants. They will also evaluate the condition of the tooth restoration around the implants. It makes sure the implants are secured properly and functioning well.
V) Bite Assessment
Your periodontist will make sure your bite stays properly aligned and supports proper implant placement. It will help to prevent any unnecessary pressure or stress on the implants.
How Often Will I Need to Have My Dental Implants Checked?
Regular check-ups are essential to ensure the longevity and success of dental implants. Here is an overview of how often you will need to visit your doctor and what factors will influence you.
I) First Year Following Implantation
The dentists generally advise having a routine checkup every three to six months in the first year following implantation. During this appointment, your dentist will check the dental implant stability, assess the state of the surrounding tissues, and address any potential complications.
II) Long-Term Maintenance
Typically, routine check-ups become once a year after your implant has fully integrated and no issues are present. However, the frequency of the long-term maintenance checkups depends on the individual circumstances.
III) Customized Care and Self-Monitoring
Depending on your oral health and any risk factors, your dentist will adjust the check-up schedule. The dentist may call for frequent check-ups and assessments depending on your
- Oral Health
- Any risk factors
- Specific factors like smoking
- Specific medical conditions or
- Your dental hygiene practice.
In the interim between scheduled checkups, you will need to stay alert to any changes or discomfort around your dental implants and contact your dentist immediately if issues arise.
Special Considerations For Different Types Of Implants
Maintaining single tooth implant hygiene only requires brushing and flossing regularly, just like your natural teeth. Your dentist may suggest a special cleaning brush or Piksters to effectively clean between the implant and surrounding teeth. A rubber tip gum stimulator can also come in handy to massage gently around the gum line.
As for full mouth dental implants, such as All-on-4® implants, maintaining general oral hygiene is indeed necessary. However, you should use a more specific cleaning regimen to maintain the prosthesis. Additionally, you should use the Waterpik® high-pressure water system twice daily. It will help to clean the area around the implant prosthesis.
The Final Takeaway of Maintenance of Dental Implants!
All in all, taking care of dental implants is essential to protect your investment and ensure a beautiful smile. Moreover, maintaining your dental implants isn’t a very hard task. You should think of your implants as a part of your natural teeth —clean regularly, avoid harmful habits, and go a long way enjoying the benefits of dental implants. Don’t forget to make appointments with your dentist for regular checkups.
That’s true; this maintenance phase of your dental implants will add a little more time to your daily routine of oral hygiene. However, the benefits of these efforts are excellent and the key to a pain-free experience!
FAQs: Addressing Your Common Concerns!
Now, at this point in the discussion, let’s address some of your common concerns through the queries that are mostly asked by people about dental implant maintenance.
What is the cost of dental implant maintenance?
To be frank, how much dental implant maintenance can cost you depends on the type of implants, frequency of the check-ups, professional cleaning needs, and any required additional treatments. However, the studies suggest that the average annual cost for dental implant maintenance amounted to around 9% of the initial implant treatment cost (over a period of 10 years).
How often should dental implant maintenance be performed?
Generally, it is recommended that you visit your dentist every six months for implant cleaning and check-ups. However, keep in mind that the exact time may change depending on your oral health and whatever your dentist suggests.
Are there any special products for dental implant maintenance?
Yes, there are! You can find special products specially designed for dental implant cleaning. For instance, in some cases, dental implants require water flossers and interdental brushes. Plus, your dentist may also give you special instructions for implant cleaning techniques, and you need to follow them.
How can I tell if my implant needs attention?
If an implant patient notices excessive bleeding, swelling, or redness around their dental implants, it can be a sign of infection, inflammation, or other issues. So, you should contact your dentist immediately for evaluation and prompt treatment.
How long do dental implants last with proper care?
A dental implant may last up to 20 years with consistent care and maintenance. You need to ensure a daily cleaning routine and regular check-ups. Plus, you should avoid harmful habits like smoking or tobacco to extend the life of your implants.
