Dental Implant Maintenance

February 20, 2026

Consistent Care to Protect Your Smile

Dental implants are designed to be strong and long-lasting. With the right care, they can serve you well for decades. At Spaulding Dental Co., we want patients to understand that implants require consistent, intentional care to keep the surrounding gums and bone healthy.

Why Maintenance Matters

While your implant itself won’t be susceptible to tooth decay, the gums and bone that support it will require maintenance and care. Plaque and food particles can accumulate around the implant, irritating the gums if left untreated. Because implants do not have the same ligament support as natural teeth, they are often more prone to trapping seeds, skins, and husks beneath the restoration.

Thoughtful, consistent care helps ensure your implant remains stable and your gums stay healthy.

Daily Oral Hygiene

The order in which you clean your implant is important. Removing debris first allows the waterpik to work more effectively.

• Brush - Begin by brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day to loosen and remove any trapped particles. Be sure to carefully clean around the gumline and around the implant to remove debris.
• Floss - Use textured/woven floss after you brush to further clear away any remaining debris trapped between and around your implant.
• Use a Waterpik™ - Next, use a Waterpik - this tool has been shown to be one of the most effective tools for implant maintenance. Many people find the Waterpik works well for them, and our staff would be happy to provide guidance on proper usage.

The Waterpik™ water flosser combines water pressure and pulsing action to deliver thorough cleaning between teeth and below the gum line, removing disease-causing bacteria and other debris that regular brushing and flossing might miss. The Waterpik is very effective for improving the health and condition of your gums around your implant and is safe for use. Learn more at www.waterpik.com.

When to Call the Office

If you notice bleeding, tenderness, swelling, or discomfort around your implant, contact Spaulding Dental Co. right away. Early evaluation helps prevent small concerns from becoming larger problems.

In cases where inflammation develops, Spaulding Dental Co. has a special implant maintenance program that is tailored specifically for you and is based on the latest recommendations for implant and periodontal health.

Professional Care and Healthy Habits

Even with good home habits, regular check-ups are still very important. Most implant patients should have a check-up every 3 to 6 months, which allows us to monitor their implant and surrounding bone levels with periodic X-rays.

A few everyday habits also help protect your implants and natural teeth:

• Avoid smoking, which can interfere with your implant healing and long-term stability
• Don't chew ice or use your teeth for opening packages

Protect Your Smile

Dental implants are a great option for replacing a tooth, and with good home habits and regular visits with Spaulding Dental Co., your implant will be comfortable, stable, and natural feeling for years and years.

If you have questions about your home routine or would like guidance on using a water flosser, Dr. Spaulding and her team are always here to help.