Dental implants are a revolutionary solution for tooth loss, offering durability and a natural
look that closely mimics real teeth. At North Lakeland Dental, we strive to provide our
patients with the highest quality care, ensuring that your dental implants remain in optimal
condition for many years. Located in the wonderful town of Wigton, our practice is dedicated
to educating patients on the best practices for maintaining their oral health. In this blog, we’ll
share essential maintenance tips to keep your implants healthy and functional.

Understanding Dental Implants

Before diving into maintenance tips, it’s crucial to understand what dental implants are and
how they function. A dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone,
acting as a root for a replacement tooth. Over time, the implant fuses with the bone,
providing a stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture.

Why Maintenance is Crucial

Proper maintenance of dental implants is essential to prevent complications such as
peri-implantitis (inflammation of the tissue around the implant) and to ensure the longevity of
the implant. Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are key to avoiding problems
and maintaining the health of your implants.

Daily Oral Hygiene Routine

To maintain the health of your dental implants, a consistent daily oral hygiene routine is
essential:

● Brush Twice Daily: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth and implants
twice a day. Soft bristles are gentle on the gums and effective in removing plaque
without scratching the implant surfaces. Electric toothbrushes are also a good option
as they provide consistent and thorough cleaning.
● Use Non-Abrasive Toothpaste: Select a toothpaste that is non-abrasive to avoid
scratching the surface of the implants and crowns. Toothpaste formulated for
sensitive teeth can be a good choice.
● Floss Daily: Flossing is crucial to remove food particles and plaque from between
your teeth and around the implants. Use implant-specific floss or interdental brushes
designed to clean around implants.

Special Tools for Implant Care

Incorporating special tools into your oral hygiene routine can enhance the care of your dental
implants:

● Interdental Brushes: Interdental brushes are small, bristle-tipped tools designed to
clean between teeth and around implants. They are particularly useful for removing
plaque from hard-to-reach areas.
● Water Flossers: Water flossers use a stream of water to clean between teeth and
around implants. They are gentle on the gums and effective at removing plaque and
food particles.
● Soft Picks: Soft picks are flexible, disposable tools that can be used to clean around
implants. They are gentle on the gums and effective at removing debris from tight
spaces.

Regular Dental Check-ups

Scheduling regular dental check-ups is vital to ensure the long-term success of your dental
implants.

● Biannual Visits: Regular check-ups are essential. Visit our practice in Wigton at
least twice a year for a professional cleaning and examination. During these visits,
we will assess the health of your implants and surrounding tissues.
● Professional Cleaning: Professional cleaning helps remove plaque and tartar
buildup that regular brushing and flossing might miss. Our hygienists use special
tools designed for implants to ensure thorough cleaning without damaging the
implant surfaces.
● Early Detection of Problems: Regular visits allow us to detect any potential issues
early on. Early intervention can prevent minor problems from becoming major
complications, ensuring the longevity of your implants.

Lifestyle and Dietary Considerations

Your lifestyle and dietary habits also play a significant role in the maintenance of your dental
implants.

● Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods: While dental implants are robust, avoiding
excessively hard or sticky foods can prevent damage to the implants and crowns.
Foods like hard candies, ice, and sticky sweets can cause unnecessary strain or
even fracture the crown.
● Limit Sugary and Acidic Foods: Sugary and acidic foods can contribute to plaque
buildup and gum disease, which can affect the health of your implants. Maintain a
balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to support
overall oral health.
● Quit Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of implant failure and gum disease by
140.2%. Quitting smoking can improve your oral health and increase the success
rate of your dental implants.

Recognising Signs of Implant Problems

Being vigilant about the health of your dental implants is essential. Contact North Lakeland
Dental immediately if you notice any of the signs listed below.
● Redness or Swelling: Redness, swelling, or tenderness around the implant site may
indicate an infection or inflammation.
● Bleeding: Bleeding when brushing or flossing around the implant can be a sign of
peri-implantitis or gum disease.
● Pain or Discomfort: Persistent pain or discomfort around the implant site should be
evaluated by a dentist to rule out any underlying issues.
● Loose Implant or Crown: If the implant or crown feels loose, it’s essential to seek
professional advice immediately. A loose implant can compromise the stability and
success of the restoration.

Conclusion

Dental implants are a significant investment in your oral health and quality of life. With proper
care and maintenance, they can last decades. At North Lakeland Dental, we are committed
to providing our patients with the knowledge and tools necessary to maintain their dental
implants. By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure the longevity of your implants
and enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come.

For more information or to schedule a check-up, click here to contact us at our office in
Wigton. Your dental health is our priority, and we are here to support you every step of the
way.