How to Protect Your New Dental Implants for a Lifetime

Dental implants don’t get cavities, but that doesn’t mean they’re maintenance-free. They rely on healthy gums and strong bone to stay put, and a little effort goes a long way in keeping them in top shape.

At Walnut Ranch Dental Spa in Ardmore, OK, Dr. Joe Treanor helps patients make their implants last for decades. Here’s how to keep yours working (and looking) great for the long haul.

Brush and Floss Like You Mean It

Even though implants won’t decay like natural teeth, plaque still builds up around them. And guess what? Your gums aren’t off the hook—gum disease can loosen the bone around an implant, putting it at risk.

Brush: Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush to keep gums happy.

Floss: Floss daily, especially around the implant—plaque loves to hide there.

Water Flosser: Try a water flosser for an easier way to clean around the implant.

Skipping floss may not land you in trouble overnight, but over time, it can spell disaster for your implant’s future.

Be Kind to Your Teeth—Skip the Crunch Test

Yes, implants are tough, but that doesn’t mean they’re built to take a beating. Chewing ice, hard candies, or using your teeth as a tool (we see you, package rippers!) can crack or stress the implant crown. Sticky foods like caramel aren’t doing you any favors either, trapping bacteria where you don’t want it.

If you wouldn’t bite into it with a natural tooth, think twice before testing your implant’s strength.

Cut Back on Smoking (Your Gums Will Thank You)

If you smoke, you’ve probably heard it all before—but here’s one more reason to reconsider. Smoking slows healing, weakens gums, and raises the risk of implant failure. Even if quitting completely isn’t on your radar, cutting back could help your implants last longer.

Grinding? You Might Be Wrecking Your Implant

Clenching and grinding put serious pressure on implants, often without you even realizing it. If you wake up with a sore jaw or headaches, you could be grinding in your sleep. A nightguard is an easy fix—it absorbs the pressure so your implants and natural teeth don’t take the hit.

Regular Checkups: The Secret to Long-Lasting Implants

Think of dental visits like routine maintenance for your car—ignore them, and you might end up with a problem you didn’t see coming. Your dentist will check for any signs of gum inflammation, loose implants, or bite issues that could cause trouble. Catching small issues early is the key to keeping your implant rock solid.

Long-Lasting Smiles at Walnut Ranch Dental Spa in Ardmore, OK

At Walnut Ranch Dental Spa, Dr. Joe Treanor and the team help patients get the most out of their dental implants—not just today, but for life. Whether you just got your implant or have had one for years, regular checkups and a few smart habits can make all the difference. Have questions about implant care? Give us a call—we’re happy to help!

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Categorised in: Dental Implants