How do I look after my dental implants?

[steve]

Hi

I had 2 implants placed in canada last year before I moved to London. The dentist said that I need to see him every year for a checkup. Could you provide this check up for me? Do I have to do anything special for these implants in order for them to last longer?

Do you have any recommendations for looking after my dental implants?

[Dr Mohsen J. Esfahani]

Dental Implants usually have a maintenance programme and its important that this programme is followed to prolong their lifespan.

I usually recommend daily flossing around the crown of the implant by the patient at home as well as twice daily brushing. Flossing around implants has a certain technique that a dentist will be able to show you.

You will need to see the hygienist at 3-6 monthly intervals depending on the condition of your gums. You need to let the hygienist know about where the dental implants are as Implants should not be scaled with normal hygiene instruments that can scratch their surface. Implants need special plastic instruments that the hygienist will use to clean around them.

Ideally, You should see the implantologist who placed the implant once a year for review. If this is not possible, its important that you find out what implant system was used and the type/size of the implant used and see an experienced implantologist who uses that system for review once a year.