What's The Best Way to Care for Dental Implants?

Dental implants are one of the most reliable ways to restore your smile, but keeping them healthy takes more than just getting them placed. Around 12 to 18 million implants are placed worldwide each year, and while success rates are high, some people still face complications like gum inflammation or infection around the implant. The truth is, even the most advanced dental implant won’t take care of itself. Just like natural teeth, implants need daily attention — consistent teeth brushing, mindful habits, and regular dental checkups, just to list a few — to stay strong and trouble-free. 

Read on to learn the most effective ways to care for your dental implants, the habits that can put them at risk, and where to get the best dental implant restorations in San Francisco.

How to Care for Your Dental Implants

Cleaning your dental implants at home doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require the right tools and habits. As part of your daily oral hygiene routine, start by brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled electric toothbrush and implant-safe, non-abrasive toothpaste. This keeps implants clean without scratching the surface.

Just like with natural teeth, plaque can build up around implants and cause gum problems if it’s not removed regularly. That’s why it’s important to also clean between your teeth using interdental brushes or floss made specifically for dental implants. These tools are designed to reach the spaces where a regular toothbrush can’t. If you want to take your care a step further, a water flosser can be a great addition to your routine. It uses a gentle stream of water to flush out food and plaque from around the gumline and between implants, especially helpful if you have multiple implants or a dental bridge.

Foods You Should Avoid With Dental Implants

When taking care of dental implants, what you eat is just as important as how you clean them. To protect your new investment: 

• Steer clear of sticky or very hard foods, like caramel, popcorn kernels, and hard candies, which can pull at the implant crown or irritate the gums around it. 
• It's also a good idea to limit acidic or sugary foods, since they can cause inflammation in the gums and make it harder for your implant to stay healthy. 
• In the early days after getting your implant, stick to a soft diet like yogurt, mashed potatoes, or smoothies, and then slowly add firmer foods back in as your dentist or oral surgeon approves. 

Flossing Dental Implants

Yes, plaque can build up around implants just like it does around real teeth, and if it’s not removed, it can lead to peri-implant disease, a serious condition that can cause gum infection and even implant failure. To avoid this, you can use unwaxed floss, super floss, a water flosser, or flossers made specifically for implants. These are designed to be gentle on your gums while still getting under the crown and between the implant and surrounding teeth. Taking a few extra minutes each day to floss the right way can go a long way in protecting your implant and keeping your gums healthy.

How Often to See a Dentist After Getting Implants

After getting dental implants, it’s important to stay on top of your regular dental visits to keep everything healthy and secure. Most people should see their dentist every six months, though your provider might recommend more frequent checkups depending on your needs. 

During these visits, your dentist will use digital dental X-rays and gentle probing techniques to look for early signs of inflammation or bone loss; both are issues that can sneak up without any pain or obvious symptoms. Professional teeth cleanings during these visits are also key, since they remove tartar that your toothbrush and floss can’t reach. Staying consistent with your dental visits helps catch small problems early and keeps your implant strong for the long haul.

Can Dental Implants Become Infected?

Although dental implants can become infected, it’s not very common. The most serious type of infection is called peri-implantitis, which happens when the gum and bone around the implant become inflamed and start to break down. This can put the implant and your overall oral health at risk if it’s not treated in time. Signs to watch for include: 

• Swollen gums
• Bleeding when you brush
• Puss around the implant
• Bad taste or smell in your mouth that won’t go away

These symptoms may not seem like a big deal at first, but they can quickly lead to bigger problems. If you notice anything unusual, it’s important to call your dentist right away so they can treat the infection and protect your implant.

Habits That Can Damage Your Dental Implants

Certain everyday habits can quietly damage your dental implants if you’re not careful: 

• Smoking: One of the biggest risks is smoking, as it reduces blood flow and slows healing, which can lead to implant failure over time. 
• Using your teeth as tools: Another habit to avoid is using your teeth as tools. Whether it’s opening packages, chewing on pens, or biting your nails, these actions can put too much pressure on the implant and may crack the crown or irritate the surrounding gums. 
• Bruxism: If you grind your teeth at night, wearing a custom night guard can help protect both your implant and your natural teeth from too much force. 

Looking for a Cosmetic Dentist in San Francisco who Offers the Best Dental Implants? 

Choosing the right dentist for your dental implants is just as important as the procedure itself. Known for combining precision with an artistic eye, Dr. Soto approaches every implant case with the goal of restoring both form and function in a way that feels completely natural. Dr. Soto is not only considered the best cosmetic dentist in San Francisco, but is known around the world as a leading dental implant crown and veneers dentist. At our premier, spa-like facility, we use state-of-the-art digital technology to plan your treatment with unmatched accuracy and comfort, and our modern, beautifully designed office reflects the high level of care we deliver. 

With advanced training, a thoughtful approach, and a deep commitment to aesthetic excellence, our team is here to help you rebuild your smile with confidence.

Ready to restore your smile with the best dental implant dentist in San Francisco?