Caring For Your Dental Implants: A Practical Guide

The most important habit is interdental cleaning. Implants do not develop cavities (the titanium fixture and ceramic crown are inert), but the surrounding soft tissue and underlying bone can develop peri-implantitis, an inflammatory disease equivalent to periodontitis around natural teeth. Interdental brushes or water flossers reach the implant-gum junction better than dental floss alone.

Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled brush. Electric brushes with pressure sensors perform well around implant crowns. Aggressive brushing risks gum recession around implants exactly as it does around natural teeth.

Hygienist visits every six months are the baseline for implant patients. Some matched clinicians recommend three to four months for patients with a history of periodontal disease or higher peri-implantitis risk. The hygienist should be using carbon-fibre or PEEK-tipped instruments around implants, not metal scalers that can damage the implant surface.

Peri-implantitis presents with bleeding around the implant crown, recession of the soft tissue, and progressive bone loss visible on radiographs. Early-stage peri-implantitis can be reversed with hygienist intervention and improved home care. Advanced cases may require surgical intervention and in some cases removal of the implant.

If a crown feels loose, an implant feels loose, or there is persistent bleeding or discomfort, contact the placing clinician promptly. Loose crowns can usually be re-tightened. Loose implants are unusual and require immediate assessment.