How to Care for Dental Implants So They Last a Lifetime
Dental implants are an investment in your long-term oral health and confidence. When placed by a trusted professional and cared for properly, they can last for decades — and often, a lifetime.
At Dartmoor Dental, our dental implantologist provides natural-looking, secure dental implants that restore both the function and appearance of your smile. Just like natural teeth, dental implants require proper care to stay healthy and free from complications.
Here’s how to ensure your dental implants last a lifetime.
1. Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene
Even though dental implants themselves don’t decay, the gum and bone tissue around them still need care. Brushing twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush and using interdental brushes or floss helps remove plaque from around the implant site.
Regular cleaning helps prevent peri-implantitis (inflammation around the implant), which can lead to failure if untreated.
2. Don’t Skip Dental Check-Ups
Routine visits to our dentist in Tavistock are essential. Your dentist will monitor the health of your implants, surrounding gums, and jawbone, and carry out professional cleaning that reaches areas your toothbrush can’t.
Routine visits at Dartmoor Dental are essential. Your dentist will monitor the health of your implants, surrounding gums, and jawbone, and carry out professional cleaning that reaches areas your toothbrush can’t.
3. Avoid Hard Foods That May Damage the Crown
While implants are strong and durable, the crown (the visible part of the implant) can be damaged by biting down on hard foods like ice or boiled sweets. Try to avoid using your teeth as tools to open packaging, too!
4. Stop or Reduce Smoking
Smoking can reduce blood flow to the gums and interfere with healing, particularly right after implant placement. It’s also a risk factor for gum disease and implant failure. If you're considering dental implants, your dentist may recommend cutting back or quitting smoking for the best results.
5. Use a Night Guard if You Grind Your Teeth
If you clench or grind your teeth (bruxism), it can place excess pressure on your dental implants, leading to damage over time. Our dentist may recommend a custom night guard to protect your teeth while you sleep.
A Lifetime Investment in Your Smile
At Dartmoor Dental, we recommend regular check-ups with both your general dentist and hygienist to keep your dental implants in top condition.
Looking for trusted care and expert advice? Book a consultation at Dartmoor Dental today.