Do you have dental implants?
Then you should know how to take care of them.
Dental implants are one of the best investments you can make for your smile. Natural-looking and comfortable, with success rates hit 95-98% they can last for decades or a lifetime when cared for properly. But there’s a catch…
The vast majority of patients don’t realize how much of the longevity of their implants depends on how well they care for them.
Proper care of dental implants isn’t complicated. The right routine will make it possible for your implants to last 25-30 years or even a lifetime. This holds true for traditional implants, as well as more advanced procedures such as All on 4 dental implants.
Before we dive into your care routine, let’s cover a few important things to know:
- Why Daily Care Is More Important Than Most Realize
- The Best Daily Cleaning Routine for Dental Implants
- Foods That Support (And Hurt) Dental Implants
- Warning Signs to Look For
Why Taking Care of Your Dental Implants Is Crucial
You might think that because dental implants aren’t natural teeth they don’t require the same maintenance.
Not so fast.
It’s true that dental implants cannot develop cavities. The crown or tooth you see is made of titanium and the gum tissue that covers the surface is acrylic. But the gum tissue and the bone that surrounds your implant is just as susceptible to infection as natural teeth.
The result? A condition called peri-implantitis.
Peri-implantitis is an infection of the bone surrounding the dental implant. It can develop even years after the implant has been placed if the implant isn’t cared for properly.
You may be surprised to learn just how big of an impact peri-implantitis can have on implant longevity.
Research shows that peri-implantitis affects 7.1% of patients by the 8-10 year mark. But among those patients that have a dedicated daily care routine success rates of over 95% are maintained over a 10 year period.
One stat:
Your daily care routine at home is more important than any other factor when it comes to the longevity of your implants. Neglect basic care and you’re gambling with your investment.
Your First Line of Defense: Daily Cleaning
If you’re wondering about the secret to long-lasting dental implants…
Look no further than your daily cleaning routine.
Dental implants should be cleaned just as often and just as thoroughly as natural teeth. Plaque and bacteria don’t care whether they’re attacking an acrylic tooth or one made of porcelain.
Allow either to build up around the surface of your dental implant and you’re asking for trouble.
Brushing Is the Foundation of Your Routine
Brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. Hard bristles scratch the surface of the dental implant, creating small crevices where bacteria can hide.
Use fluoride toothpaste. Spend a minimum of two minutes brushing, paying close attention to the gum line where the dental implant meets gum tissue.
Electric toothbrushes are a great option. They automatically brush with the right amount of pressure and many even have built in timers to help ensure you’re brushing long enough.
Flossing Is Just as Important
Dental implants require the same flossing routine that natural teeth do. If you use a water flosser you’re in luck. Water flossers are more effective than traditional floss when it comes to dental implants. They do a better job of removing bacteria that traditional floss misses around implant sites.
Use one daily and you’ll start to see a big difference.
Rinse with an Antimicrobial Mouthwash
The last step in your daily routine should be an antimicrobial rinse.
Mouthwash designed to kill bacteria is another simple, effective way to protect your dental implants from bacteria.
Swish with an alcohol-free rinse for 30 seconds after you brush and floss.
Diet and Nutrition: What to Eat (And Avoid)
Believe it or not, what you eat matters.
Dental implants are strong. Really strong. But certain foods can damage your dental implant or surrounding tissue.
The following foods are dental implant friendly:
- Soft fruits and vegetables that are high in vitamins and minerals
- Dairy products, including cheese and yogurt. Calcium is critical for bone health.
- Lean proteins, such as fish and poultry for tissue repair and regeneration
- Of course, water. Clean your mouth out with plenty of water
Now the foods you should approach with caution or avoid altogether.
Hard, crunchy, and sticky foods place unnecessary strain on dental implants. Ice, hard candies, popcorn kernels, or using your teeth to open packages are all high risk.
Extreme temperature changes can also affect your implants. Acidic foods and drinks should be limited as they can harm your gum tissue. Avoid citrus, soda, and wine as much as possible.
Professional Care: Don’t Skip Dental Visits
Professional cleanings are your safety net.
No matter how well you care for your dental implants at home, there are places your toothbrush can’t reach. Professional cleaning visits every 3-4 months can help prevent buildup that causes bone loss.
Data shows that bone loss around implants increases from 0.09mm at baseline to 0.49mm after an 8-10 year period in patients who did not receive regular professional cleanings.
What happens during a professional cleaning?
Your dental hygienist uses special instruments that are designed to clean around dental implants. They check for inflammation, measure the depth of the pockets around the implant and take X-rays to monitor bone loss.
Don’t wait until you notice something is wrong. By the time you can feel pain or tenderness, the problem has usually progressed significantly.
Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Most of the time your body will give you warning signs when something isn’t right.
Keep an eye out for the following red flags:
- Bleeding gums at the site of the implant
- Swelling or tenderness that does not resolve
- Loosening of the implant or crown
- Persistently bad breath despite good oral hygiene
- Pus or discharge around the site of the implant
- Pain or discomfort when chewing
Notice any of the above? Contact your dentist immediately.
Many times early intervention can make a world of difference in outcomes. What may start as mild inflammation can quickly become serious bone loss if allowed to progress unchecked.
Lifestyle Factors That Influence Longevity
Smoking.
Use of tobacco products is associated with a significantly increased rate of implant failures. If you smoke, the single best thing you can do for your dental implants is to quit. Smoking constricts blood vessels and blood flow to your gums.
Diabetes also impacts your implant success rate. Maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Do you grind your teeth at night? Get a nightguard. Grinding places excessive force on both your dental implants and the bone surrounding them.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Here’s the thing…
If taken care of properly, 4 out of 5 implants will last 20 years or more. In many cases, they will last a lifetime. The key is consistent, proper care.
Dental implants have one of the best longevity statistics of any dental procedure. Studies have tracked implants over 38-40 year periods and found survival rates of over 95%.
These success statistics only apply to those patients that take care of their implants properly though.
Your Action Plan for Healthy Dental Implants
Ready to give your implants the best chance of a long lifespan?
- Brush at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss or use a water flosser daily.
- Rinse daily with an antimicrobial mouthwash.
- Schedule professional dental cleanings every 3-4 months.
Eat soft foods and avoid the culprits listed above. If you smoke, quit. If you grind your teeth, get a nightguard.
And most importantly, be vigilant. Catch changes early and take action immediately.
The Bottom Line
A dental implant is a significant investment in your health and confidence.
When well cared for, implants can be one of the most reliable solutions to missing teeth available. Dental implants have a longer track record of success than most other dental procedures. But that success is only guaranteed for patients who commit to care.
The dental habits you develop now determine how long your implants will last. Brush, floss, rinse, and visit the dentist on a regular basis.
Your dental implants can last 25-30 years or a lifetime. The choice is up to you – make it count.
