Congratulations on your new dental implant! You’ve made a long-term investment in both your oral health and your smile. With proper care, your implant can last decades—and continue looking and functioning beautifully.

While the implant itself won’t decay, poor oral hygiene can still lead to gum disease and bone loss, which may compromise the implant over time. Consistent care is essential.

What You Should Always Do

To maintain the health of your implant and surrounding gum tissue:

• Brush twice daily using a soft-bristle, narrow-head toothbrush. For best results, we recommend an electric toothbrush like the Philips Sonicare, which provides gentle, thorough cleaning around the implant.

• Use a non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the implant crown while keeping your gums stimulated and clean.

• Floss daily with unwaxed dental floss, which glides more easily around the implant without leaving residue.

• Add a water flosser to your routine—like a Waterpik with a Plaque Seeker® tip—to flush away bacteria and food particles in hard-to-reach areas. This also helps prevent inflammation and infection.

• Schedule and attend your regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings. Routine evaluations help ensure your implant is functioning properly and the surrounding tissue stays healthy.

What to Avoid

Even though your implant crown is durable, it can still be damaged. To avoid complications:

• Never chew on hard items such as ice, hard candy, or popcorn kernels.

• Do not use your teeth as tools to open packaging or cut tape—this puts unnecessary stress on the implant.

• Avoid using toothpicks or metal instruments around your implant crown. These can damage the implant or surrounding gum tissue.

When to Call Our Office

Early detection of issues can protect your implant and prevent further problems. Please contact us if you notice:

• Bleeding or inflammation that lasts more than a few days. A warm saltwater rinse (3–4 times daily) may help, but persistent symptoms should be checked.

• Significant swelling or unusual discomfort near the implant.

• Movement or looseness in the implant crown. While rare, a loose screw must be addressed immediately to prevent further complications.

Long-Term Success Starts with Daily Care

With proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits, your implant can last 25 years or longer. Treat it with the same care—and caution—you would a natural tooth.

Your smile is worth it!