Like teeth, dental implants can last a long time if they’re well cared-for. However, without a consistent hygiene routine, dental implants are vulnerable to problems.
One of these is mucositis, an inflammation of the gum line. This causes the gums to bleed and pull away from the implant abutment, exposing it. Mucositis can be treated and reversed if it’s detected early. However, untreated mucositis can progress to peri-implantitis, which causes loss of bone density around the site of the affected implant. This may ultimately mean that the implant has to be removed.
How to Care for Dental Implants
To give your dental implants the very best care, it’s important to be both consistent and thorough. Daily care of dental implants is very similar to that of natural teeth, with twice-daily brushing, and daily flossing. However, the tools you use for cleaning dental implants might be a little different, and you might adopt a slightly different cleaning technique.
With dental implants, as with natural teeth, it’s important to be firm but gentle when brushing and to use tools that won’t scratch your restorations. Use a small toothbrush with soft no-scratch bristles, or an electric toothbrush, and a minimally-abrasive toothpaste with good tartar control. Dental floss is needed to clean the gum line and between the teeth. An antibacterial mouthwash is also handy for daily use. For best results in getting rid of plaque, consider using disclosing tablets, which stain plaque to make it easily visible. This makes it easier to remove, and to make sure you’ve got your teeth completely clean.
One way to simplify implant care is to make and use a maintenance sheet. This is like a calendar that helps you keep track of your care routine, similar to how a car maintenance sheet keeps track of auto maintenance. This can remind you of important things such as toothbrush replacement, dental visits, and other regular events for implant care.
Finally, don’t forget to see your dentist regularly—at least every 3 to 6 months.
Talk to Your Dentist for Advice
If you need advice or information about any aspect of dental implant care, the best person to talk to is your own dentist. They can give you advice about the best ways to take care of your own implants, and offer recommendations for cleaning tools and products too.