Implant Care and Maintenance

Dental implants are a long-term investment in both your oral health and well-being. With proper care and maintenance, they can last a lifetime. At Scripps West Dental in Mira Mesa, we are committed to helping our patients maintain their dental implants and achieve optimal oral health in the years and decades ahead. It all begins with understanding the importance of proper implant care and maintenance.

How to Care for Dental Implants

Caring for dental implants is similar to caring for natural teeth. It is important to brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit our Mira Mesa dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. Depending on the type of implant restoration you have (such as a bridge or “All-on-4” prosthesis), we will show you exactly how to clean around your implants each day.

Can Dental Implants Get Cavities or Gum Disease?

Dental implants are made of materials that are not susceptible to cavities, but they can still be affected by gum disease. Or, in this case, peri-implantitis. Peri-implantitis is the implant form of periodontal disease. It’s caused by bacteria that accumulate on the implant and surrounding gum tissue. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene habits each day and visit us regularly for professional cleanings to prevent gum infections from developing.

Do I Need to Floss Around Dental Implants?

Yes, it is important to floss around dental implants to remove any food particles and plaque that may accumulate around them. You can use regular floss or a water flosser to clean around the implant, depending on your preferences. It’s important to be gentle and avoid using excessive force, as this can damage the surrounding gum tissue.

Use a Soft or Electric Toothbrush

When brushing your dental implants, it’s important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush or, even better, an electric toothbrush. Electric brushes tend to clean better thanks to the extra motions and vibrations. Hard or stiff bristled toothbrushes can damage the implant or surrounding gum tissue. You should also use non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the implant restorations.

How to Maintain Dental Implants Long Term

To maintain your dental implants for a lifetime, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene habits and plan to have them professionally cleaned at least every six months. We also recommend that you avoid smoking and limit your intake of sugary and acidic foods and drinks, as these can contribute to the development of gum disease and other oral health problems.

Schedule Regular Dental Implant Maintenance Visits

Just like your natural teeth, it’s important to schedule regular dental implant maintenance visits and cleanings. Our Mira Mesa dentists will evaluate the condition of your dental implants and perform any necessary maintenance or cleaning. This may include removing plaque and tartar buildup, adjusting the implant abutment, or replacing any damaged or worn components (as in the case of “snap-on” dentures.) We’ll also perform oral cancer screenings and take routine X-rays to assess the bone levels around your implants.

Dental Implants in San Diego

At Scripps West Dental in Mira Mesa, we specialize in providing high-quality dental implant services to our patients in San Diego and the surrounding communities. Our team of experienced and skilled dental experts is committed to helping you achieve optimal oral health and function, regardless of how many teeth you need to replace. We use the latest technology and techniques to ensure your dental implant treatment is as comfortable and effective as possible.

If you are considering dental implants or have already received dental implant treatment, it is important to take proper care of your implants to ensure their longevity and success. By practicing good oral hygiene habits, scheduling regular dental implant maintenance visits, and working closely with your dental team, you can maintain healthy and functional dental implants for many years to come.

Reserve a Consultation Today

If you have any questions or if you’re interested in receiving dental implant treatment, contact us today to schedule a consultation. We’re committed to helping you achieve optimal oral health and a beautiful, healthy smile!