Congratulations — you did it! You restored your smile, and that too with dental implants (one of the best ways to restore missing teeth). We bet you are thrilled to have a fully functional and gap-free smile again.

However, like any worthy investment, your dental implants need some TLC. Only then will you get the maximum benefit and avoid any hiccups that will jeopardise your smile. 

Now, don’t fret. Caring for your dental implants is not a hassle – it’s a breeze! It’s all about following a proper and consistent oral hygiene routine while keeping an eye out for risk factors.

How Do I Take Care of My Dental Implants? 

Yes, dental implants are durable and built to last. However, that doesn’t mean they are invincible. 

While implants are not susceptible to tooth decay like natural teeth, they can be affected by gum disease. Severe gum disease can attack the gum tissue and the jawbone supporting your implants. Proper care and maintenance will help keep your implants healthy and prevent dental problems like peri-implantitis and implant failure. 

Here are a few things you can do to extend the lifespan of your dental implants and keep them healthy: 

Take Post-Implant Care Seriously

Taking care of your implants begins the moment you leave our clinic after your implant procedure. 

We will send you home with detailed after-care instructions and all the info you need to recover like a champ. We’re talking rest for your body to heal, a diet that won’t play games with your new smile and everything in between to keep pain and discomfort at bay. 

Following these instructions to a T is key during these early stages. Do it right and you’ll minimise the risk of complications arising down the line. 

Brush Your Teeth Twice x 2 Minutes 

The golden rule for brushing is to avoid hard-bristled toothbrushes and abrasive toothpastes, as these can scratch and damage the implant surface and harm your gums. 

Instead, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste and brush your teeth twice a day for a solid two minutes. Pay special attention to areas where plaque can easily build up like the sides of your teeth, around implants and the gum line.  

Floss! 

Brushing helps get rid of plaque and small food particles, but it can’t reach every nook and cranny in your mouth. That’s where flossing comes in! In fact, flossing becomes even more important with implants because plaque loves to lurk around implants. 

Now, you may be wondering whether to use regular floss or a water flosser. Well, the choice is yours. If regular floss works for you – awesome! But if you struggle with it, you can use a water flosser like Hydropik (an oral irrigator that uses pressurised water). It’s a super-fast and easy way to get rid of plaque in areas your brush and regular floss might miss. If not, you can even use a combination of both!  

You may even use an interdental brush for better cleaning around the sides of your implants. 

Rinse with Mouthwash 

Here’s the lowdown on mouthwash. Rinsing with mouthwash isn’t a must. However, incorporating it into your oral hygiene routine can definitely help reduce bacteria and keep your mouth fresh. 

If you do decide to take this extra step, choose an antibacterial mouthwash for an added layer of bacteria-fighting power. Just remember, mouthwash shouldn’t replace brushing and flossing, but it can be a great addition to your dental hygiene routine. 

Regular Dental Check-Ups 

Visiting your dentist for regular check-ups may seem daunting and inconvenient. Wrong! 

Whether you have implants or not, these regular check-ups are important for a healthy smile. But when you do have dental implants, the importance just doubles. 

These visits allow us to check on the condition of your implants, catch any problems at their onset, give your pearly whites a professional clean and provide any additional care they might need.

We usually recommend visiting our clinic every 6 months for check-ups. However, this may vary from patient to patient.

Monitor Risk Factors 

Certain lifestyle habits and health conditions can put your dental implant at risk and affect its success and longevity. These include: 

• Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking can weaken the gums around your implant while alcohol consumption can increase the risk of infection. By quitting or at least cutting back significantly, you’ll be doing your implants and body a massive favour. 

• Health Conditions: Pre-existing health conditions like diabetes and vulnerability to gum disease should be treated and managed effectively. We will discuss these conditions before treatment begins. 

• Teeth Grinding: Also known as Bruxism, teeth grinding can place unnecessary stress on your implants and teeth, making a custom-made mouthguard a good choice.

Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods 

Sure, dental implants are robust and durable, but that doesn’t mean they are entirely indestructible. Eating hard or sticky foods can put a strain and damage your implant over time. Therefore, it’s advisable to stay away from these types of foods such as hard candy and caramel. Instead, you may want to opt for a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables and lean proteins. 

Remember, this is especially important right after your implant procedure. But it’s wise to stay mindful of these foods even after you are fully healed to prevent any complications. 

 

Caring for your implants is easy! It’s not overcomplicated or time-consuming; it's just a simple routine you can easily follow at home. 

By following these steps, you can keep your smile functional, beautiful and lasting a lifetime. Trust us when we say your smile and implants will be thanking you for it. 

Got any questions or concerns about caring for your implants? Drop us a line – our team is happy to help keep your smile healthy and beautiful for years to come.