Dental implants are a life-changing investment in your smile, confidence, and oral health. While they’re designed to last decades, their longevity depends heavily on proper care and maintenance. At Boundary Implant Centre in Brighton and Hove, Dr. Saad Boji—a leading implantologist with 30 years of experience—shares his proven strategies to help you protect your implants and avoid complications like infection or bone loss.
Why Implant Care Matters
Implants may not decay like natural teeth, but they’re still vulnerable to:
- Plaque buildup around the implant crown or abutment
- Peri-implantitis (gum disease around implants)
- Bone loss due to poor oral hygiene
With the right daily routine, you can prevent these issues and enjoy your implants for life.
Daily Care Routine for Dental Implants
1. Brush Gently, But Thoroughly
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush (manual or electric) to avoid scratching the implant crown.
- Opt for low-abrasive toothpaste (avoid whitening or charcoal formulas).
- Focus on the gumline where bacteria accumulate.
2. Floss Around the Implant Daily
- Traditional floss can snag on implants. Instead, use:
- Implant-specific floss (e.g., super floss or tape)
- Interdental brushes for hard-to-reach areas
- Water flosser (on a low-pressure setting)
3. Rinse with an Antibacterial Mouthwash
- Choose an alcohol-free formula to avoid drying out your gums.
- Look for ingredients like chlorhexidine (for short-term use) or cetylpyridinium chloride.
4. Avoid Harmful Habits
- Smoking or vaping: Reduces blood flow to the gums, slowing healing.
- Chewing hard items: Ice, pens, or hard sweets can damage the crown.
- Abrasive products: Baking soda or harsh toothpaste scratch surfaces.
Special Tools for Implant Care
- Teflon-coated picks: Safely clean around abutments.
- Tongue scraper: Reduces bacteria that migrate to implants.
- Silicone gum stimulators: Promote healthy blood flow to gums.
Professional Maintenance: Don’t Skip Check-Ups!
Even with perfect home care, professional cleanings are critical. At Boundary Implant Centre, we recommend:
- Bi-annual exams: To check implant stability and gum health.
- Professional deep cleaning: Removes stubborn plaque below the gumline.
- Laser therapy (if needed): Dr. Boji’s expertise in Erbium-YAG laser dentistry can treat early signs of peri-implantitis gently and effectively.
See our routine Dentistry details
FAQs: Your Implant Care Questions Answered
Q: Can I use an electric toothbrush on implants?
A: Yes! Electric toothbrushes are safe and effective—just avoid stiff bristles.
Q: How do I know if my implant is infected?
A: Redness, swelling, bleeding, or a bad taste near the implant could signal peri-implantitis. Schedule an exam immediately.
Q: Do implants require special toothpaste?
A: No, but choose a non-abrasive formula to protect the crown’s finish.
Need Personalided Advice? Ask Brighton’s Implant Expert
If you’re unsure about your implant care routine or notice changes in your oral health, don’t wait—early intervention saves time, money, and discomfort.
Dr. Saad Boji and our team at Boundary Implant Centre are here to help:
✅ 1,500+ implants placed with precision
✅ Laser-assisted treatments for gentle, effective care
✅ Tailored hygiene plans for your unique needs