Placing dental implants has a success rate of over 90%. However, being prosthetic doesn’t make them immune to problems.
Dental implants require care similar to natural teeth. Plaque buildup must be avoided, since it can lead to peri-implant diseases.
Below are the three steps to keep your implants in good condition and prevent complications.
Quit smoking before and after the procedure
It’s widely known that habitual tobacco use is harmful to overall health and the mouth is no exception.
Implant success depends on osseointegration the union between the titanium implant and the bone. Smokers face a higher risk of complications because tobacco interferes with normal osseointegration.
Tobacco reduces blood flow to the bone, gum, and mucosa around the implant, which delays healing and facilitates infection in the treated areas.
For these reasons, patients are advised not to smoke for one month before and two months after the procedure. Ideally, quitting altogether is best, as it is key to preventing periodontal and peri-implant diseases, not to mention other, more serious health problems.
Cleaning with an interproximal brush or waterpik
Because implants have hard-to-reach áreas such as the gap between the crown and the abutment that supports the prosthesis oral hygiene must be more meticulous than with natural teeth.
Brush after each main meal three times a day for two minutes and include interdental cleaning with an interproximal brush and dental floss.
For complex oral rehabilitations or for older patients with limited dexterity, consider electric toothbrushes or a water flosser (oral irrigator) to help clean under implant prostheses.
You may also consider antiseptic mouthrinses, but only under the guidance of your dental professional, since not all rinses have the same composition or effectiveness.
Attend regular maintenance visits
Your periodontist or implant specialist plays a crucial role in the long-term maintenance of dental implants from motivating and training you in oral-hygiene techniques to monitoring the tissues around the implant and removing tartar deposits.
Today, peri-implant diseases are considered the main complication in implant dentistry. Maintenance visits are therefore vital to prevent these diseases or treat them early.
There are two grades of peri-implant disease: mucositis and peri-implantitis.
- Mucositis is inflammation of the soft tissue around the implant caused by bacterial accumulation. If detected early, it is reversible; if not, it can progress to peri-implantitis.
- Peri-implantitis is always preceded by mucositis and is characterized by loss of the bone that supports the implant. If not treated promptly, it can lead to implant loss.
During the first year after implant placement, maintenance visits should occur every 3–4 months. After the first year, the follow-up schedule is set according to each patient’s needs.
This article outlines the three fundamental steps for caring for dental implants: no smoking, meticulous hygiene, and regular checkups. Following these instructions is key to preventing peri-implant diseases, the most frequent complication in implant dentistry. This content is for guidance; to receive a personalized maintenance plan, a consultation with your specialist is necessary.
It’s time for your implant checkup. Book an appointment for evaluation and professional cleaning via WhatsApp, phone call, or by filling out our web form.
