Dental implants are one of the best investments you can make in your smile. But here’s the thing—even the best dental work won’t last forever if you don’t take care of it.
Here’s a stat that surprises a lot of people: With proper care, dental implants can last 20 years or more. In many cases, they last a lifetime. And yet… some patients lose their implants within just a few years. Why?
Because maintenance matters.
At Laguna Heights Dental in Laguna Niguel, we see firsthand how great implant care keeps your smile strong. Let’s talk about what that care looks like, what habits to build, and how to keep your implant (and your confidence) rock solid.
Step One: Nail Your Daily Hygiene Routine
Brushing twice a day isn’t optional. Neither is flossing. That goes double when you have a dental implant.
Yes, your implant isn’t a natural tooth. But the gum tissue around it? Totally natural. And it’s prone to inflammation if plaque builds up.
Here’s the go-to game plan:
- Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush (manual or electric)
- Use low-abrasive toothpaste (some whitening pastes are too harsh)
- Floss daily—yes, even around implants
- Consider an interdental brush or water flosser for hard-to-reach spots
Be gentle, but thorough.
Step Two: Keep Up With Your Cleanings
Even if everything feels fine, professional cleanings are a must. Why?
Because your hygienist can reach spots you can’t. They can also spot early signs of trouble before things get serious.
We usually recommend cleanings every six months. In some cases, every three to four months may be better, especially if you’ve had past gum issues.
Bonus tip: Tell your hygienist you have an implant. There are special tools they can use to avoid scratching the crown or abutment.
Step Three: Watch for Red Flags
Early detection is everything.
Here are signs your implant might need a little TLC:
- Bleeding or swelling around the gumline
- A loose crown or post
- Persistent bad breath
- Discomfort when chewing
Don’t ignore these signs. A quick visit could prevent a much bigger issue.
Step Four: Ditch Harmful Habits
A few lifestyle tweaks can seriously boost your implant lifespan:
- Stop smoking (seriously—it reduces blood flow and affects healing)
- Avoid chewing on ice, pens, or fingernails
- Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth (bruxism is brutal on implants)
These small shifts pay off big time.
Step Five: Use the Right Tools
Here are some implant-friendly tools we often recommend:
- Sonic or electric toothbrush with soft bristles
- Non-metal interdental brushes
- Antibacterial mouth rinses (optional, but helpful)
- Water flossers for deep cleaning under bridges or around the implant
Ask us what tools are best for your specific setup. We’re always happy to help you build a routine that works.
The Role of Diet
This one surprises people.
What you eat impacts how long your implant lasts. Sticky, sugary foods increase plaque. Crunchy foods (like popcorn kernels) can chip crowns or stress the implant.
Stick with a well-balanced, tooth-friendly diet. Think lean proteins, veggies, dairy, and plenty of water.
What Happens If You Skip Maintenance?
Two words: peri-implantitis and failure.
Peri-implantitis is like gum disease around an implant. Left untreated, it can destroy the bone supporting your implant. Once that happens, the implant can loosen or fall out entirely.
The upside? It’s preventable.
Stick to your maintenance routine and you’re unlikely to run into this problem. And if we catch it early, we can treat it before it becomes serious.
We’re in This Together
At Laguna Heights Dental, we don’t just place implants and wave goodbye. We’re with you for the long haul.
We keep track of your history, your progress, and any red flags. If something doesn’t look right, we jump in early.
That kind of long-term support makes all the difference. You’re not in this alone—we’re your smile team.
Let’s Talk About Your Implant Care Plan
If you already have a dental implant, let’s make sure it’s in great shape. If you’re thinking about getting one, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
Either way, you can count on real answers, honest advice, and a team that truly cares.
Book your appointment at Laguna Heights Dental today. Let’s protect that smile for life!
