Dental implants are one of the most effective and long-lasting solutions for replacing missing teeth. With proper care, they can last decades—or even a lifetime. At Lance Family Dental in Festus, MO, we want to ensure your investment in dental implants pays off with a healthy, confident smile for years to come. In this post, we’ll cover how to properly care for your dental implants to keep them strong, functional, and beautiful.
Why Proper Dental Implant Care Matters
While dental implants are artificial, they still rely on the health of your surrounding bone and gum tissue. Just like natural teeth, implants can fail due to poor oral hygiene, gum disease, or neglect. Peri-implantitis—a condition similar to gum disease—can lead to inflammation and even implant failure if not addressed.
Fortunately, maintaining dental implants is easy with the right habits and regular professional care. Let’s look at what you can do at home and what to expect during dental visits.
1. Brush Twice Daily with the Right Tools
Dental implants need to be cleaned just like your natural teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the surface of your implant crown. Some patients prefer electric toothbrushes for their superior plaque-removal ability—but manual brushing is effective too if done properly.
Make sure to brush:
- All sides of your implant crown
- Along the gumline
- The rest of your natural teeth
This helps prevent bacteria buildup that can lead to gum inflammation or bone loss around the implant.
2. Don’t Skip Flossing
Flossing may be even more important with dental implants than it is with natural teeth. Food particles and plaque can accumulate around the base of your implants, especially near the gumline. Use implant-specific floss, unwaxed floss, or an interdental brush to gently clean around the implant post.
For those with limited dexterity, water flossers (like a Waterpik) can be a great option for removing debris and bacteria between teeth and implants.
3. Avoid Tobacco Products
Smoking or using smokeless tobacco significantly increases the risk of implant failure. Nicotine restricts blood flow to the gums, which slows healing and makes it harder for the bone to fuse properly to the implant. Even after successful placement, tobacco use continues to raise the risk of infection and gum recession around the implant.
If you’re considering quitting tobacco, your implant treatment is a great reason to start. Your mouth—and your overall health—will thank you.
4. Maintain a Healthy Diet
The foods you eat impact your oral health. To help your implants stay strong and stable:
- Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and protein
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks that contribute to plaque buildup
- Avoid chewing on hard items like ice or pens, which can damage your implant crown
Immediately after implant placement, your dentist may recommend a soft food diet while the implant site heals. Once healing is complete, you can resume a normal diet—but being mindful of your eating habits helps preserve your new smile.
5. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Professional cleanings and exams are crucial for maintaining both natural teeth and dental implants. At Lance Family Dental, we’ll:
- Check the integrity of the implant and crown
- Assess gum health around the implant site
- Perform cleanings with implant-safe tools
- Take X-rays to monitor bone levels
Most patients should visit us every six months, but we may recommend more frequent visits depending on your oral health history.
6. Watch for Warning Signs
While dental implants are highly successful, it’s important to be aware of symptoms that may indicate a problem:
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums around the implant
- Pain or discomfort when chewing
- Loosening of the implant or crown
- Persistent bad breath or taste
If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait—contact your dentist right away. Early intervention is the key to saving your implant and preventing more serious issues.
Dental Implants Are an Investment Worth Protecting
Dental implants are a game-changing solution for patients with missing teeth. They look, feel, and function just like natural teeth—but only if you care for them properly. With the tips above and regular care from your dental team, your implants can stay healthy and beautiful for years to come.
At Lance Family Dental, we’re committed to helping patients in Festus, MO enjoy confident, lasting smiles. Whether you already have dental implants or are considering them as a tooth replacement option, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today to schedule your next check-up or ask about long-term implant care.
