You received your new dental implants and couldn’t be happier with your decision and the outcome. Soon you’ll be eating your favorite foods and having conversations without the worry of loose dentures or a gap in your smile.
Enjoy your new smile, but remember that getting implants is just the beginning. Like any investment, your dental implants require proper care to deliver the decades of service they're renowned for.
Start with Excellent Oral Hygiene
Your implants can't get cavities, but the tissues surrounding them need special attention. When plaque builds up around implants, it can lead to peri-implantitis, a form of gum disease that affects implant sites.
Morning and Evening Routine
- Brush gently but thoroughly around each implant with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Use a low-abrasive toothpaste (avoid whitening toothpastes)
- Floss carefully around implant crowns. Ask our hygienist about special implant floss or water flossers to determine which one is right for you.
- Consider an antimicrobial mouth rinse to reduce bacteria
A Weekly Deep Clean
Once a week, give your implants some extra attention with an interdental brush or specialized implant cleaning tools. These can reach areas that regular floss might miss, especially if you have multiple implants or implant-supported bridges.
Regular Dental Checkups Are Non-Negotiable
Even with perfect home care, professional cleanings and exams are crucial. Your Aurora dental team knows what to look for and can spot potential issues long before they become problems.
We recommend cleanings for implant patients every three to six months, though we'll recommend the ideal frequency based on your oral health history and risk factors.
When to Contact Your Dental Team
Wondering what to watch for between visits? Here are the warning signs that mean you should call your Aurora dental office right away:
- Bleeding around implant sites, especially if it's persistent or increases over time
- Swelling or puffiness in the gums surrounding your implants
- Pain or discomfort that develops weeks, months, or years after initial healing
- Loose or shifting implant crowns, which never happen with a healthy implant
- Bad taste or persistent bad breath despite good oral hygiene
Ready to Schedule for Your Next Checkup?
Patients who follow proper implant care enjoy success rates of 95 percent or higher over many years. Your dental implants were designed to last, and with the proper care, they can.
Schedule your next implant maintenance visit with Baller Dental & Ortho at Southlands in Aurora, CO. We'll create a personalized care plan that keeps your implants looking great and functioning optimally.