Dental Implants: Best Care Practices for Lasting Success
Dental implants at Leominster Family Dentists are a fantastic way to restore your smile, offering beauty and function. But just like natural teeth, they need consistent care to ensure long-lasting results and a smooth healing process. Here are some tips for keeping your implants in tip-top shape.
Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene
Keeping your dental implants clean is essential for healing and long-term success. Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the implant surface. Using dental floss or an interdental brush, floss carefully around the implant to remove plaque from hard-to-reach areas. An antimicrobial mouth rinse can also help keep harmful bacteria at bay.
Watch What You Eat—Especially Early On
During healing, stick to soft foods like yogurt, eggs, and mashed vegetables. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could pressure the implant or cause irritation. Once fully healed, you can return to a balanced diet, but it is still best to avoid habits like chewing ice or using your teeth as tools.
Avoid Tobacco and Excessive Alcohol
Smoking slows healing by reducing blood flow to the gums, increasing the risk of implant failure. Alcohol can also interfere with healing and irritate sensitive tissues. Avoid these entirely—especially in the first few months if you can.
Protect Your Dental Implant Investment
If you grind your teeth at night, ask our team about options for protecting your implant and surrounding teeth. Custom mouthguards and other options can also safeguard your smile from injury during sports.
Stay on Schedule with Follow-Up Appointments
Our team needs to monitor your implant’s healing and stability through follow-up visits. These appointments are crucial for spotting early signs of infection, gum recession, or bone loss before they become bigger issues.
Maintain a Consistent Dental Routine
Even after the implant has fully healed, keep up with professional cleanings and checkups every six months (or as recommended). Your dentist and hygienist have the tools and expertise to keep your implant, gums, and surrounding teeth healthy for years.
Dental implants can last decades with the proper care. Good oral hygiene, mindful eating, avoiding harmful habits, and keeping up with dental visits will ensure your new smile remains strong, healthy, and beautiful.
Do you have additional questions about your dental implant or think you might be an ideal implant candidate? Contact our team today!
