How to Care for Your Dental Implant: Tips for Long-Term Success
Here’s everything you need to know about daily maintenance, best practices, and long-term care to keep your implant in top shape.
At Goehring Dental in Austin, TX, we know that a dental implant is more than just a replacement tooth—it’s an investment in your smile, confidence, and oral health. With the right care, your implant can last a lifetime, providing the strength and stability of a natural tooth. The best part? Caring for your dental implant is easy when you follow the proper routine.
Let’s talk about the best tips to follow for long-term success with your dental implant…
Maintain a Daily Healthy Oral Care Routine
Just like natural teeth, implants need consistent care to prevent plaque buildup and gum inflammation. Here’s the best daily routine:
Brush twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to clean around the implant. Electric toothbrushes work well, too.
Floss daily with an implant-safe floss or a water flosser to effectively clean around the implant.
Use antibacterial mouthwash to reduce bacteria and support healthy gums.
Avoid harsh whitening products since abrasive ingredients can scratch the implant’s surface over time.
Pro Tip: Use an interdental brush to gently clean around the implant for extra precision.
Eat Foods That Keep Your Implant Strong
Dental implants are durable, but certain foods and habits can impact their longevity.
Best foods for implant health:
Soft fruits and vegetables
Lean proteins like fish or chicken
Calcium-rich foods such as yogurt and cheese
Avoid These Unhealthy Habits
Habits to avoid:
Chewing on ice or hard candies, which can crack the implant crown
Smoking or tobacco use, which increases the risk of gum disease and implant failure
Excessive alcohol consumption, which can slow healing and affect bone health around the implant
Visit Your Dentist for Regular Dental Checkups and Professional Cleanings
Even with excellent home care, routine dental visits are essential for keeping your implant in top shape.
Schedule a checkup every six months for a professional cleaning and implant assessment.
Annual X-rays help monitor the implant and surrounding bone for long-term stability.
Watch for warning signs like redness, swelling, or discomfort—early detection prevents bigger issues.
Did you know? While implants don’t get cavities, the surrounding gums can still develop gum disease, which may affect implant stability. Regular cleanings help prevent this.
Take Extra-Special Care for the First Few Months
If you’re recovering from a recent implant procedure, take extra precautions during the healing process.
Avoid chewing directly on the implant until fully healed.
Rinse with lukewarm salt water to keep the area clean.
Stick to soft foods before gradually reintroducing harder foods.
Once your implant has fully integrated with your jawbone, you can treat it like a natural tooth.
Protect Your Implant While Sleeping and During Activities
If you grind your teeth or play contact sports, your implant may be at risk for damage.
Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth—this prevents excessive pressure on the implant.
Use a sports mouthguard to protect against impact injuries while playing sports.
With the right care, your dental implant can last a lifetime—allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence!
Here at Goehring Dental, we are dedicated to helping you maintain a healthy, long-lasting smile. Whether you need guidance on daily care, a professional cleaning, or an implant checkup, our team is here to provide expert support every step of the way! Questions? Contact Goehring Dental today. Give us a call at (512) 892-8822 or contact us by filling out the form below.
