Caring for Implants Day to Day
Dental implants require the same daily care as natural teeth, plus a few additional considerations. Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled brush, paying special attention to the gumline around the implant. Floss daily using implant-specific floss threaders or a water flosser, which is particularly effective at cleaning around implant abutments. Interdental brushes can clean hard-to-reach areas between implants.
Protecting Your Investment
Avoid abrasive toothpaste which can scratch the implant crown surface. Maintain 6-month professional cleanings where the hygienist uses plastic or titanium instruments rather than steel scalers that can damage implant surfaces. Your dentist checks implant stability, bone levels on X-rays, and the condition of the crown and abutment. Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or extremely hard foods directly on implants.
If you grind your teeth, a custom night guard protects both implants and natural teeth. With proper care, dental implants can last 25 or more years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can implants get cavities?
No, but the gum and bone around them can become infected in a condition called peri-implantitis, which is the leading cause of implant failure.
How do I clean around a dental implant?
Brush twice daily, clean around the implant with floss designed for implants or a water flosser, and keep professional cleanings on schedule.
How long do dental implants last?
With good hygiene and regular checkups, implants often last decades and frequently a lifetime, though the crown may need replacement.
Finding a Dentist in Huntington Beach
If this sounds like what you are dealing with, the next step is an exam. A dentist can tell in minutes what guesswork cannot, and catching a problem early almost always means a smaller, cheaper fix. Tell us what you need using the form below and we will connect you with a licensed dentist serving Huntington Beach and the surrounding Orange County communities. It is free to use and there is no obligation.
Not sure where to start? Read how to choose a dentist, compare prices in our cost guides, or check signs you need emergency care if the pain is severe.
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