Caring for Your Dental Implants: Tips for Lasting Results

Unfortunately, missing teeth can impact your ability to eat, speak, and feel confident in your day-to-day life. At the practice of Dr. Troy Gombert in Chandler, AZ, we help patients restore their smiles with highly advanced tooth replacement solutions, such as dental implants. If you want to learn how to clean dental implants and ensure long-term success, call now to schedule an appointment. 

Understanding dental implants 

Dental implants are titanium posts placed directly into the jawbone during surgery. Once the implant fuses with the bone, a crown is attached to replace the missing tooth. 

Unlike bridges or removable dentures, implants don't rely on neighboring teeth for support. They're stable, durable, and help preserve bone structure in the jaw. For patients dealing with missing teeth, implants feel natural and provide long-term stability. 

How to clean dental implants 

While implants can't decay like natural teeth, the gums and bone surrounding them are still vulnerable to infection and inflammation. Proper care is essential for maintaining a healthy smile. 

Here's how to clean dental implants at home:  

• Brush twice a day: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean around the implant and crown. Pay close attention to the gumline. 
• Floss daily: Flossing removes food particles from between the teeth and around the implant. Be gentle to avoid irritating the gums. 
• Rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash: This addresses harmful bacteria and supports gum health. 
• Avoid sticky or hard foods: While implants are strong, chewing on ice, hard candy, or sticky substances can damage the crown. 

At our practice in Chandler, AZ, Dr. Gombert provides detailed instructions to help you keep your implants in excellent condition. 

Tools that help with implant maintenance 

In addition to regular brushing and flossing, certain tools can make caring for your implants easier and more effective:  

• Water flosser: A water flosser is a gentle and effective way to clean around implants, especially in hard-to-reach areas. It uses a stream of water to flush out debris. 
• Interdental brushes: These small brushes fit between teeth and around implant posts to remove plaque buildup. 
• Non-abrasive toothpaste: Avoid whitening or gritty toothpastes that can scratch the crown or irritate gums. 

Using the right tools and techniques helps prevent gum disease and ensures your tooth replacement solution lasts as long as possible. 

How long do dental implants last? 

So, how long do dental implants last? With the right care, implants can last 20 years or even a lifetime. The implant itself is highly durable, but the crown may need to be replaced after 10 –15 years due to normal wear. 

Factors that influence longevity include:  

• Oral hygiene habits 
• Regular dental checkups and cleanings 
• Avoiding smoking, which can compromise healing and increase infection risk 
• Managing conditions, like diabetes or gum disease, that affect bone health 

Routine visits to Dr. Gombert allow us to monitor your implants, check for signs of inflammation or bone loss, and address any concerns early. With consistent care, implants remain a reliable, long-term solution for missing teeth. 

Keep your implants in great shape 

If you want to know about tooth replacement options or have questions such as, "How long do dental implants last?" Our team in Chandler, AZ, is here to help. Whether you're considering implants or already have them, Dr. Troy Gombert can guide you through proper maintenance, recommend tools, like a water flosser, and help you protect your investment. Call today to learn more about caring for your smile.