How to maintain dental implants?

Once a dental implant has been placed, it is necessary to follow some controls and perform periodic maintenance so that it continues to fulfill its function for many years.

Dental implants are healthy when the tissues that support them (bone and gum) are in good condition. This is called peri-implant health. These structures must remain strong and stable over time for dental implant treatment to be successful.

On the contrary, peri-implantitis is a condition suffered by an implant when the gum becomes inflamed and the bone supporting the implant is progressively lost. This disease usually results in mobility and loss of the dental implant and can be avoided as explained below.

The maintenance of dental implants begins with good daily oral hygiene: the proper use of an electric toothbrush, dental floss and interproximal brushes is essential to eliminate the bacterial plaque that deteriorates the dental support. In the maintenance session, the patient will be explained how to clean the implant sites correctly. It should be noted that smoking can increase the risk of peri-implantitis, so we always recommend quitting smoking. In addition, we advise keeping medical conditions such as diabetes under control, as they can affect oral health. A balanced and healthy diet also contributes to overall health, including oral health.

Despite optimal daily dental hygiene, it is impossible to clean the bacterial plaque from all corners, which hardens over time (tartar) and causes the loss of bone and gum that support the implants. For this reason, the patient should periodically visit the dental clinic to remove the tartar around the implants in order to maintain their support in good condition.

The frequency of implant maintenance is different in each case and depends on the results of a study performed by our gum specialist. In this study, the millimeters of unattached gingiva are measured to record the entire surface to be cleaned. For those patients who have large implant-supported prostheses, they should be unscrewed at least once a year in order to have access to clean the implants down to the bottom.

In Puyuelo Dental Clinic we place Straumann dental implants, currently the highest range implants on the market, with a great scientific support that demonstrates its high durability and stability over time and whose design favors peri-implant health. The surgery and gum team, composed of Dr. Marta Satorres and by Dra. Neus Carrió, together with the professional hygienists, form an expert team in maintaining dental implants in the long term. All this work would not be possible without a committed patient who is aware of the need for good daily oral hygiene and maintenance.

In addition, at Clínica Puyuelo we perform a 3D imaging study (dental CT) that shows the amount of bone surrounding the dental implant, which allows us to better advise our patients.

Remember that the key is prevention and continuous care. If you experience any symptoms of concern, such as swelling or bleeding around the implants, consult us immediately. The success of implants lies in the fact that they remain healthy for many years.