Caring for Your Dental Implants
Why is implant care important?
A dental implant is used to replace a missing tooth. It usually consists of:
· A titanium screw placed into the jawbone,
· A crown attached on top, designed to look and function like a natural tooth.
After placement, the implant integrates with the surrounding bone. This process is called osseointegration.
Although implants cannot decay like natural teeth, the surrounding gum and bone can still become inflamed if plaque builds up. Without good cleaning, this can lead to conditions which may compromise the implant over time.
Good daily care and regular dental reviews are essential to maintain healthy implants long term. With appropriate home care and professional maintenance, implants can function successfully for many years.
How should I clean my dental implants?
Dental implants should be cleaned just as thoroughly as natural teeth, paying particular attention to the gumline and the areas between teeth.
Daily care should include:
· Brushing twice a day
· Cleaning between teeth and around the implant at least once a day
The goal is to remove plaque from all surfaces of the implant and surrounding tissues.
Brushing your implant
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and clean:
· The front and back of the implant crown,
· Along the gumline,
· Any exposed implant components if present.
Specialist brushes can help improve access around implant restorations, particularly where there are bridges or fixed implant appliances.
Cleaning between implants
Interdental cleaning is especially important around implants, as plaque tends to accumulate in these areas.
Depending on your individual implant design, your dental professional may recommend:
· Interdental brushes in appropriate sizes
· Implant or bridge floss
· A specialist brush, like a single-tufted brush for detailed cleaning
What you use should fit comfortably without forcing. Many people require a combination of tools, and different sizes for different areas. Your dental professional can advise on the most suitable tools for your implant restoration.
How often should implants be cleaned?
Implants should be cleaned:
· Twice daily with a toothbrush,
· At least once daily between the teeth.
· Regular professional maintenance is also important. Your dental team will monitor the health of the gum and bone around the implant and provide tailored advice.
Signs to look out for
Contact your dental practice if you notice:
· Bleeding when cleaning
· Persistent soreness
· Swelling around the implant
· Bad taste or discharge
· Mobility of the implant or crown
Early intervention can help prevent more serious complications.
Gentle cleaning tools for implant care
Implants require meticulous plaque control to protect the surrounding gum and bone. Specialised cleaning tools can improve access and help maintain long-term stability.
Interdental Brushes Original
Useful for cleaning around implants and the spaces between teeth.
Interdental Brushes Extra-Soft
Designed to work the same as original interdental brushes, but with extra-soft bristles which are gentle on gums. Ideal for use after implant surgery.
Angle
For implants in those harder-to-reach areas angle interdental brushes can be used.
EasyPick
The plastic, silicone, tapered pick, is safe to use on implants and comes in a handy travel case meaning you can take it with you and use on-the-go.
EasyFit
If you’re unsure which interdental brush size will fit around your implants, try the EasyFit. With a tapered brush design, the EasyFit can fit many spaces with just 2 sizes.
Bridge and Implant Floss
Specially designed floss with a rigid end and fluffy body to clean under bridges and around implants.
Gingival gel
A gel that contains chlorhexidine, fluoride, and xylitol. It can be applied to teeth and around implants with an interdental brush or a specialty brush for extra protection against gum disease and tooth decay.
Special Care
The ultra-soft bristles on the special care brush are ideal for using after implant surgery when the soft tissues of your mouth are more delicate.
Universal Care
A unique specialist brush designed to clean the implant crown margins next to the tongue and on the roof of your mouth.
Implant Orthodontic brush
Narrow toothbrush specially designed to clean the front margins on implant crowns and implant retained bridges.
Implant Kit
A kit containing essential tools for healthy implants, selected by dental experts.