The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends a daily routine of brushing and flossing to maintain a healthy mouth and body. Proper care of dental implants is just as important as cleaning natural teeth since both depend on healthy surrounding tissues for support.

Plaque collects on implant crowns just like natural teeth, and must be removed on a daily basis at home through brushing and flossing. Without daily cleaning, peri-implantitis can cause inflammation around the implant and lead to bone loss. Because implants attach to surrounding bone and gums differently than natural teeth, peri-implantitis infections can rapidly lead to the loss of the affected implant.

Your dental hygienist also has an important role to play in keeping dental implants infection-free. Since implants are made of materials that are very different from natural teeth, routine professional cleaning is vital. Your hygienist will be able to select the right instruments for removing both soft (plaque or food) or hard (tartar) debris based on the type of surface in your mouth.

Despite special cleaning challenges, implants are highly successful. Studies indicate long-term success rates well over 95%. Proper cleaning and prevention of peri-implant disease is an important part of success.