Quick answer: Look after a dental implant much like a natural tooth. Brush twice a day, clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes, protect it from grinding and sport, and keep your regular check-ups. Done well, an implant can last for decades.
A dental implant is one of the longest-lasting ways to replace a missing tooth, and the good news is that caring for one is simpler than most people expect. Treat it well and it can serve you for decades. Here is exactly how to get the most from yours, plus what to know if you are still weighing one up, with a few tips from our team here in Cooma.
Clean it like a natural tooth
An implant itself cannot get decay, but the gum and bone that hold it in place absolutely can suffer if plaque is allowed to build up around it. That is the single biggest risk to an implant’s long-term health, so daily cleaning matters.
Brush twice a day with a soft brush, paying close attention to where the implant crown meets the gum. Clean between your teeth every day, either with floss or, for many people, an interdental brush that slips into the gaps more easily. If you are not confident you are reaching the gumline properly, ask us at your next visit and we will show you a technique that works for your mouth.
Keep up your regular check-ups
This is the one that protects your investment. Regular visits let us check the implant, your bite and the gum and bone around it, and pick up anything early while it is still simple to manage. A professional clean also removes the hardened plaque that no toothbrush can shift. It is the same steady routine behind all of our general and preventive dentistry, and it is what keeps small issues small.
Go gently in the early days
Straight after surgery, the implant needs time to settle into the bone, so stick to softer foods and be kind to the area while it heals. We walk you through this stage in detail in what to eat after dental implant surgery. Once it has fully healed, the menu opens right back up, which we cover in eating with dental implants.
Protect against grinding and sport
If you grind or clench your teeth at night, that force lands on your implant just as it does on your natural teeth. A nightguard is a simple, comfortable way to protect it. The same goes for sport: if you play footy, hockey or anything with contact around the Monaro, a mouthguard is cheap insurance. A damaged implant is not something you want to be sorting out after the weekend.
Watch the warning signs
A healthy implant should feel solid and pain-free. Tell us if you notice any of the following, as catching them early makes treatment much easier:
- Bleeding or swelling in the gum around the implant
- Any looseness or movement
- Discomfort when you bite down
- The gum receding or the implant starting to show
Is an implant right for you?
Implants suit many people, but not everyone. Gum health, the amount of bone you have, and your general health all play a part, and as with any procedure there are risks worth understanding. The honest answer comes from an assessment, where we talk you through your options, including a crown or bridge, and give you a written quote before anything begins. We provide dental implants right here in Cooma, so the whole process can stay close to home.
Frequently asked questions
How long do dental implants last?
With good care and regular check-ups, the implant itself can last many years, often decades. The crown on top may need replacing sooner than the implant.
Do implants need special cleaning products?
Not really. Normal brushing, daily cleaning between your teeth, and regular visits suit most people. Some find an interdental brush or water flosser handy around an implant.
Can I get dental implants in Cooma?
Yes. We provide implants locally, so you can have the whole process done close to home rather than travelling to Canberra.
Does caring for an implant hurt?
No. Once healed, an implant feels like a natural tooth and cleaning it is no different to looking after the rest of your teeth.
Thinking about an implant, or due for a check on one you already have? Get in touch with our Cooma team.
