Palo Alto Dental Implants Care
Learn how to care for dental implants, including daily plaque removal, professional maintenance and signs that an implant should be evaluated.
Dental implants need ongoing care even though the implant itself cannot develop a cavity. Plaque can inflame the tissues around an implant and, in some patients, progress to bone loss. The crown, bridge or denture attached to an implant can also wear, loosen or fracture over time.
How should you clean around an implant?
The goal is to disrupt plaque around the restoration and at the gumline every day. A soft toothbrush is appropriate for most patients. Cleaning between the teeth or under an implant bridge may require floss, interdental brushes, floss threaders or a water flosser depending on the prosthetic design.
What is peri-implant disease?
Inflammation limited to the soft tissue around an implant is often called peri-implant mucositis. When inflammation is accompanied by progressive supporting bone loss, the condition is called peri-implantitis. Early inflammation is easier to address than advanced bone loss.
What symptoms should be checked?
Bleeding, swelling, pus, persistent bad taste, discomfort, gum recession, a change in the way the restoration feels or any movement of the implant restoration should be evaluated. A loose crown or screw is different from a loose implant, but both require attention.
How often should implants be checked?
The maintenance interval depends on periodontal history, plaque control, smoking or nicotine use, number and design of implants and other risk factors. Some patients need more frequent professional maintenance than patients without a history of gum disease.
Can implants last a lifetime?
Some implants function for decades, but no implant or implant restoration is guaranteed for life. Long-term success depends on biology, mechanics and maintenance.
Dental implant maintenance in Palo Alto
At Palo Alto Oral Health we monitor implant restorations along with the natural teeth and gums. If you are considering implant treatment, start with our overview of dental implants.
Request an appointment if an implant feels different or you would like a maintenance evaluation.
