Dental implant maintenance: Why looking after your implant matters
Dental implants are a long-term solution for missing teeth, and with the right care, they can last for many years. But what many people don’t realise is that dental implants need ongoing maintenance, just like natural teeth. While the implant itself can’t develop decay, the gums and bone surrounding it can still be affected by inflammation and infection.
The truth is, problems don’t always cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages, so regular maintenance plays an important role in keeping your implants healthy and functioning well over time. Even when things feel perfectly fine, dental implant maintenance is essential.
Your implant might be artificial, but your gums aren’t
Dental implants are designed to mimic natural teeth, but beneath the surface, there’s still living gum tissue and bone supporting each implant. Just like natural teeth, plaque and bacteria can build up around implants, especially along the gumline and in areas that are difficult to clean.
Over time, this can cause inflammation and even damage the tissue that keeps your implant in place.
Having a dental implant doesn’t mean you don’t have to worry about gum problems. In fact, keeping the surrounding tissues healthy is one of the most important parts of protecting your implant long-term.
What is peri-implantitis?
Peri-implantitis sounds complicated, but it’s essentially inflammation around a dental implant that has progressed to the point where the supporting bone is being lost.
It begins with something called peri-implant mucositis. This is when the gums around an implant become inflamed, usually because plaque and bacteria have built up. You could notice some bleeding when brushing, redness or slightly swollen gums. Or you might not notice anything at all. At this early stage, the inflammation can usually be reversed with professional care and improved cleaning.
More serious problems occur when inflammation progresses to peri-implantitis. Once the supporting bone starts to deteriorate, treatment becomes more involved and, in severe cases, the implant can be lost.
Not everyone with dental implants will experience these issues, but keeping an eye out and knowing what to look for can make a big difference.
What can you expect if something is wrong?
You might expect an infection around your implant to be painful, but it isn’t always. Peri-implant disease can develop without much discomfort, especially in its early stages.
Some changes worth watching out for include:
- Bleeding when brushing or cleaning around your implant
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste
- Changes in the gumline around your implant
- Discomfort when chewing
- An implant that feels loose
What happens during an implant maintenance appointment at The Practice?
You may be wondering if implant maintenance is just another dental clean. But there’s much more to it. Our West End dentists don’t just focus on keeping your teeth clean, it’s about checking that the gums, bone and implant are all staying healthy.
At The Practice, your dentist will examine the tissues surrounding your implant, looking for inflammation, bleeding or changes in the gum pockets. X-rays may also be recommended to monitor the supporting bone.
Professional teeth cleaning will help to remove plaque and deposits from areas that can be difficult to reach at home, using techniques and instruments appropriate for implants. It’s also a great chance to review your cleaning routine. Sometimes, something as simple as using a different interdental brush can make a big difference.
We aim to catch small problems early, before they become something more serious.
How to look after your implants at home
Implant care isn’t complicated. Brushing twice daily is important, along with cleaning around the implant and between neighbouring teeth. Depending on your implant, our South Brisbane dentist might also recommend flossing, interdental brushes or other cleaning aids.
Some things increase the risk of peri-implant disease, including smoking, poorly controlled diabetes and a history of gum disease. If you’ve previously experienced periodontal problems, ongoing professional maintenance is especially important.
How often should dental implants be checked?
We don’t believe there is one single schedule that suits everyone. For some people, six-monthly maintenance appointments may be appropriate. Others, generally those with a history of gum disease, may benefit from appointments every three to four months.
Your dentist will recommend a schedule based on your individual needs and risk factors.
You’ve invested in your smile, so we’ll help you look after it.
At The Practice, we understand that looking after your dental implants doesn’t stop once treatment is complete. Healthy gums, regular maintenance and early attention to any changes all play an important role in their long-term success.
Whether you’ve recently had an implant placed or have had yours for years, we’re here to help you keep your smile healthy. Contact The Practice to arrange an appointment and discuss your dental implant care needs.