Dental Implant Maintenance 101: How to Keep Your New Smile Healthy
If you have invested in full arch or All-On-4 dental implants, you likely know how life-changing they can be. They allow you to eat, speak, and live with renewed confidence. However, a common question patients ask is, “What happens if I skip maintenance on my implants?” In the video above, Dr. Soren Paape of Smile Now Dentures and Implants explains why ongoing care is non-negotiable and how it protects your investment for the long run.
Why Dental Implant Maintenance Is Essential
There is a common misconception that because dental implants are artificial, they do not require care. Dr. Paape clarifies that while implants are designed to be low-maintenance, that does not mean they require no maintenance at all. Just like a car, a home, or your natural teeth, they can develop problems if neglected.
Although the implants themselves cannot get cavities, the bone and gum tissue surrounding them are still alive. These tissues need to be cleaned and monitored regularly to ensure the implant remains stable. Without routine dental implant maintenance, serious complications can arise that jeopardize the health of your new smile.
Risks of Ignoring Implant Care
- Peri-Implantitis:
This is the implant equivalent of gum disease. Plaque and bacteria can build up around the implant, leading to inflammation and bone loss. If left untreated, this is a leading cause of implant failure. - Food Traps and Infection:
Without proper cleaning, food particles can accumulate in small gaps or under the bridge. Over time, this buildup can cause bad breath, infections, and even abscesses. - Prosthetic Damage:
Your jaw and bite can subtly shift over time. Without regular checks, you may not notice these changes until the prosthetics chip, crack, or no longer fit properly.
Professional Maintenance Schedule
To prevent these issues, adhering to a strict schedule is vital. We have seen patients with excellent implant work face failure simply because they skipped their maintenance appointments. At Smile Now, we customize your schedule based on your specific case, medical history, and home habits, but the general recommendation is straightforward.
- Every Six Months:
You should schedule a professional implant cleaning with a trained assistant or hygienist. - Once a Year:
We take digital x-rays to check bone levels and verify the stability of the implants. - As Needed:
Bite adjustments or re-tightening are performed if you feel any movement or shifting in the prosthetics.
What to Expect at Your Smile Now Visit
When you come in for maintenance for dental implants at our office, it is more than just a quick polish. We treat it as a precision checkup to ensure your implants stay healthy for the long haul. Our team uses specialized tools designed to clean around the implants without damaging the zirconia or titanium materials.
During the visit, we conduct a thorough inspection of the soft tissue to spot any signs of inflammation. We also check your bite and occlusion to identify any uneven wear that could lead to fractures. If necessary, we will take digital scans or x-rays to get a closer look at what is happening beneath the gum line.
At-Home Dental Implant Care and Maintenance
Between your professional visits, your daily routine is the first line of defense. Proper home care prevents bacteria from colonizing around the implants and ensures the longevity of your prosthesis. Here are the steps Dr. Paape recommends for effective home care.
- Brush Twice Daily:
Use a soft-bristled manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush to keep the prosthetics clean. - Use a Water Flosser:
This is especially important for cleaning under bridges or around attachments where a traditional brush cannot reach. - Rinse Daily:
Use a non-alcoholic mouthwash to reduce bacteria without drying out the oral tissues. - Monitor for Warning Signs:
If you experience soreness, bleeding, or a sensation of loosening, do not wait. Catching a small issue early is the best way to prevent a major repair.
Schedule Your Maintenance Visit Today
If it has been a while since your last cleaning, or if you are unsure if you are on the right plan, we are here to help. Skipping maintenance can lead to expensive repairs or having to restart the entire implant process. Schedule your professional dental implant maintenance visit or a free consultation at a Smile Now office near you. We will give you honest feedback to ensure your smile remains secure and problem-free for years to come.