Dental Implant Maintenance: Six Ways of Caring for Dental Implants

Dental implants in Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania, are the best option when natural teeth are no longer viable. Dental implants are surgically placed in the jawbone to restore oral function and appearance with near perfection. But like any good thing, dental implant maintenance is vital to help achieve long-lasting outcomes.

Our lead dental implant dentist, Dr. Beth Skovron, shares tips to keep your dental implants looking healthy and strong. (Hint: The steps are simple and not any different from caring for your natural teeth).

1. Brush twice daily: Your implants will remain infection-free and look fantastic if your mouth is healthy and clean. As with natural teeth, gently clean your implants with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Ensure you brush your teeth for at least two minutes, ensuring you reach every tooth surface. Pay close attention to the area where the crown meets the gum line, as harmful bacteria tend to colonize there.
2. Floss daily: Implants require regular flossing to remove plaque and debris from areas your toothbrush can’t reach. For ease, consider a floss designed for implants or a water flosser like Waterpik. Floss your teeth at least once daily, especially before bedtime.
3. Antimicrobial mouthwash: Use a medicated oral rinse to finish the job after brushing and flossing your teeth. Rinsing lowers the risk of gum irritation around your implant by controlling bacteria and preserving fresh breath. It’s easy to think mouthwash is a substitute for brushing and flossing your teeth, but this is a grave mistake. Mouthwash can rinse away some bacteria and freshen your breath, but it doesn’t eliminate the plaque and food particles that are removable by brushing and flossing. A mouthwash complements your daily oral regimen, not substitute it.
4. Avoid hard or sticky foods: Even when dental implants are securely anchored in the mandible, excessive pressure can still cause them to loosen or break. Chewing on ice, hard candies, or sticky sweets can damage the crown, so treat your implants carefully.
5. Manage bruxism: Do you grind or clench your teeth at night? This poor oral habit generates incredible pressure, strong enough to break or dislodge your implants. If you suspect chronic teeth grinding (bruxism), talk to your dentist about a customized nightguard.
6. Schedule regular check-ups: You require professional dental care regardless of how well you take care of your teeth. During routine check-ups, your dentist monitors the health of your implants and surrounding gums and administers cleanings that target hard-to-reach areas.