Maintenance – What can I do to make my implants last?

Caring for your dental implants is very similar to caring for your own teeth. Brushing twice a day with a soft toothbrush and flossing daily, together with regular professional hygiene visits that match the maintenance of your natural teeth, are the key to implant longevity.

Just as your natural teeth, if not cared for adequately, can develop periodontitis (gum and bone recession), neglected dental implants can develop peri-implantitis which can cause soft tissue and bone loss. In some cases this can lead to the loss of your implants.

There are 3 easy steps to maintain your dental implants:

• 1.Brush at least twice a day around the teeth, gums and abutments with a small, soft toothbrush or interdental brush.
• 2.Floss frequently to prevent plaque from building up which can lead to gum tissue inflammation and peri-implantitis.
• 3.Visit the dentist every 6 months for professional cleaning and check up. The implants should be examined with an x-ray every 1, 3 and 5 years.

Your dental implants will last a long time if you take care of them.