How to Care for Your Dental Implants and Make Them Last

How to Care for Your Dental Implants and Make Them Last

Dental implants are one of the most dependable methods for replacing missing teeth. They not only look like natural teeth, but also work like them and last for a long time. If you have had dental implants in Langley, knowing how to care for them is the key to a strong, healthy smile for years to come.

Dental implants will need just as much care as your natural teeth do, particularly during the first few months after the procedure. If you take the proper steps, you can avoid complications and enjoy that beautiful smile for many years.

1. Know what dental implants are

Before you start dental care tips, it’s good to have an understanding of what dental implants are. An implant is a small titanium screw that is put inside of your jaw bone. It is used to hold a crown that will mimic your natural tooth as closely as possible. Dental implants are made to last – but only if maintained. 

Once the implant has fully healed and fused with your jaw, it will become part of your everyday life, so begin caring for it with the same attention as you would your other teeth. This is why it is very important to listen to your dentist in Langley and follow their recommendations closely. 

2. Brush as Carefully but As Often As Possible

Your oral health depends primarily on brushing twice a day, especially when you have an implant.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste if you want to avoid scratching the crown or irritating your gums. Be sure to gently brush the implant site like you would with your natural teeth. 

Don’t forget to angle your brush around the gumline. Plaque gathers at the gumline, and cleaning it helps minimize the chance of a gum infection as well as keeping your implant firmly anchored.

3. Floss Daily around the Implant

Flossing is just as important as brushing your teeth! Floss is great for clearing plaque from between your teeth and around the implant, as it is often difficult for your toothbrush to access these locations. If you have more than one implant, learning how to care for full mouth dental implants is crucial. 

If traditional floss is difficult for you to use, you may want to try floss designed specifically for implants or a water flosser. Regardless, cleaning in between the teeth helps protect both the gums and the implant against infection or inflammation.

4. Watch What You Eat and Drink

While implants are generally strong, eating poorly can damage the crowns on the implants, which could compromise the abutment. Do not bite hard objects, such as the end of pens, ice, or your own fingernails! Take care when eating sticky or extra crunchy food items that can stress the implant.

Taking care of your diet is not just about preventing physical damage- it also supports the healing process and helps your gums stay healthy. 

Still thinking, ‘how to heal faster after dental implants?’ continue reading the blog.

5. Quit Smoking for Long-Term Success

Smoking can slow down healing and increase the risk of implant failure. If you’re serious about your recovery, it’s strongly recommended that you quit smoking before and after your procedure.

Nicotine reduces blood flow, which delays healing and weakens your jawbone over time. Even if your implant has healed, smoking continues to harm your gums and bone structure.

6. Don’t Skip Your Dental Visits

It’s easy to assume that because dental implants don’t get cavities, you can skip the dentist—but that’s far from the truth. Regular check-ups are necessary to ensure your implant is stable and the surrounding gum tissue is healthy.

A professional cleaning will remove tartar buildup that daily brushing and flossing can’t reach. Your dentist can also check for early signs of gum disease, which is the most common threat to implants.

7. Use Protection When Needed

If you grind your teeth at night or play contact sports, wearing a nightguard or mouthguard can help protect your implants. Grinding places stress on both natural teeth and implants, while sports accidents can cause sudden damage.

Protective gear not only saves your implants from damage but also keeps the rest of your teeth safe.

Ready to protect your Implant for life?

Dental implants are an excellent investment in your oral health and confidence. With the right care and attention, they can look and function like natural teeth for decades to come. Daily brushing, flossing, mindful habits, and regular visits are the pillars of long-lasting implant health.

Experienced dental team at Township Dental Centre is committed to providing personalized, long-lasting care for every patient.
From routine check-ups to advanced implant services, we make your comfort and health our top priority.
At Township Dental Centre, your smile is in trusted hands, where technology meets compassion.
Come visit us and experience modern dental care in a warm, welcoming environment.

Book your appointment at Township Dental Centre today—and smile with confidence tomorrow!

236-326-8995