Dental Implant Maintenance: The Role of Regular Hygiene Appointments
12-05-2025
Dental implants are one of the most effective and long-lasting solutions for replacing missing teeth. But just like natural teeth, they require ongoing care to stay healthy and functional. One of the most important aspects of dental implant maintenance is attending regular hygiene appointments.
In this blog, we’ll explain why these visits matter, what they involve, and how they protect your investment for the long term.
Why Maintenance Matters with Dental Implants
Dental implants may not be susceptible to decay like natural teeth, but they can still face complications, most notably peri-implantitis. Regular hygiene appointments are designed to prevent this by keeping your mouth clean and catching early warning signs.
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What Happens During a Hygiene Appointment?
At your hygiene visit, your dental professional will do much more than just clean your teeth. Here’s what you can typically expect:
- Thorough professional cleaning around the implants to remove plaque and tartar.
- Assessment of gum health, checking for inflammation or bleeding.
- Monitoring bone levels around the implant using digital imaging if needed.
- Polishing the crown or bridge attached to the implant to maintain aesthetics.
- Tailored advice on brushing and flossing techniques, especially around implant areas.
The Risk of Skipping Hygiene Appointments
Missing regular check-ups can lead to the gradual build-up of bacteria, which may not be painful or obvious at first, but can become serious over time. Without professional cleaning:
- Soft tissues can become inflamed
- Plaque can harden into tartar, which can’t be removed by brushing alone
- Bone around the implant may begin to deteriorate, risking implant failure
How Often Should You See a Hygienist?
For most implant patients, we recommend a hygiene visit every three to six months, depending on your individual needs. If you have a history of gum disease, diabetes, or smoking, more frequent visits may be advisable.
Supporting Your Hygiene at Home
In between appointments, you play a vital role in keeping your implants healthy. Daily brushing with a soft-bristle brush, using interdental brushes or floss, and ensuring good nutrition are key parts of your homecare routine.
Ready to Protect Your Dental Implants?
If you’ve had dental implants but haven’t seen a hygienist in some time, now is the perfect moment to take action. As you can hopefully tell from this blog, regular hygiene appointments are key to protecting your investment and preventing long-term issues. At The Dental & Cosmetic Clinic in Leicester, our experienced team is here to help you maintain a healthy mouth and keep your implants performing at their best.
Book your appointment today and give your smile the care it deserves.
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