Oral & maxillofacial2 min read

Living with dental implants

Once the treatment is finished, an implant needs looking after. What daily care involves and what to watch for.

Stone Surgical ArtsOriginally published August 18, 2024Updated September 9, 2026

Perspective from Stone Surgical Arts

Most discussion of implants stops at the point the crown is fitted. The longer part is what happens afterwards, and it is where the outcome is decided.

A thought to keep

Implants do not decay, but the tissue and bone around them can be lost. Cleaning and review are what protect them.

Daily care

Implants are cleaned like teeth: brushing twice a day and cleaning between them daily. The area where the restoration meets the gum needs particular attention, and interdental brushes or a floss designed for implants are often recommended.

Your clinician can show you the technique for your particular restoration, which differs between a single crown, a bridge and an implant-retained denture.

What to watch for

Bleeding when cleaning, swelling, tenderness or a bad taste around an implant should be reported. Inflammation of the tissue around an implant can progress to loss of the supporting bone if it is left.

Any sense of movement in the restoration, or a screw that feels loose, is worth an appointment rather than waiting for the next review.

Habits that matter

Smoking is associated with poorer outcomes around implants. Heavy grinding or clenching puts load on the restoration, and a nightguard is sometimes advised.

Diabetes and other conditions affecting healing are relevant to long-term maintenance as well as to the original surgery, so keep the practice informed if your health changes.

Review

Implants are reviewed regularly, with radiographs at intervals to check the bone level. This is how a problem is caught while it is still small.

Ask what the review schedule is, what the components are expected to need over time, and what is covered if something wears or fractures.

Adapted from the Stone Surgical Arts archive and updated for clarity. This article offers general information; an individual consultation is needed for treatment advice.