Caring for Dental Implants

One of the greatest advantages of dental implants is the treatment’s longevity. Unlike dentures, partials, or bridges which must be replaced every few years to ensure continued oral function, implants often last a lifetime with the right care. In order to enjoy the full lifespan of this treatment option, there are several steps patients must integrate into their regular hygiene routine. Some of the best steps for caring for your dental implants include:

Brush Twice Daily

Just like natural teeth, dental implants should be brushed twice daily to remove plaque and bacteria from the surface of teeth.

Floss Daily

Patients with dental implants are at an increased risk of developing peri-implantitis, an inflammatory gum condition caused by the accumulation of plaque on the dental implant. Without treatment, this infection can compromise the long-term health of the smile as well as the longevity of the dental implant. Flossing at least once a day can help remove plaque and bacteria trapped between the teeth and prevent the accumulation of tartar at the gum line.

Use a Rubber Pick

In addition to daily brushing and flossing, dental implant patients should also consider adding soft-tipped dental picks into their dental hygiene routine. Used after brushing and flossing, patients run these rubber picks along the gum line, removing plaque that may have been left behind by brushing and flossing and is trapped in the space between the teeth. As this dental instrument is made of rubber, individuals don’t need to worry about scratching the implant or damaging the surrounding tissue.

Thoroughly Clean Prosthetic

Particularly for patients with removable overdentures, cleaning the prosthetic is an important part of maintaining a lasting implant-retained restoration. In addition to cleaning the prosthetic thoroughly with the correct materials, patients should also be careful to clean around the dental implant attachments, as this ensures that trapped food is removed daily and prevents plaque and bacteria from building up below the denture. 

Keep Regular Dental Visits

At-home oral hygiene is only part of the implant care process. In addition to maintaining a diligent hygiene routine at home, patients must also regularly visit their dentist for professional cleanings and check-ups. During these biannual visits, your dentist can ensure your implant is functioning properly and effective improving the overall health, function, and aesthetics of your smile.

In Northern Virginia, Dr. Snehal Patel and his team at Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants & Oral Surgery are committed to providing patients with restorative solutions that yield lasting results. By working closely with your general dentist, our Northern Virginia oral surgeon is able to ensure that your implant treatment contributes to the long-term wellbeing of your dentition. For more information about caring for your dental implants, as well as your available implant options, contact our Lorton orSpringfield oral surgery practices.