Getting a dental implant is a major step toward restoring your smile, confidence, and oral function. But just like natural teeth, implants need proper care to ensure they stay healthy and last for many years. At Berrey Family Dentistry in Kendall, FL, we guide our patients through every stage of the implant process—including how to care for their new restoration at home.
Whether you just received your implant or you’re planning for one soon, here’s what you need to know about keeping it clean, stable, and problem-free.
Dental implants are designed to function like real teeth. Once placed, the titanium post fuses with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration, creating a strong and permanent foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture.
But while implants aren’t vulnerable to cavities like natural teeth, the surrounding gum tissue and bone can still become infected if not cared for properly. This condition—called peri-implantitis—can compromise the health and stability of the implant.
That’s why proper at-home care is essential, especially in the first few weeks after placement.
During the first 24–48 hours after your procedure, it’s important to follow a few basic rules to avoid irritation and support healing:
If you were given medication or antibiotics, take them exactly as prescribed, and contact us if you notice unusual swelling, pain, or bleeding.
Once the healing process is underway and your permanent crown or prosthetic is placed, your implant becomes part of your regular oral hygiene routine. Here’s how to keep it clean and healthy at home:
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to clean around the implant and gumline. Electric toothbrushes are often recommended for thorough yet gentle cleaning.
Plaque can build up around implants just like natural teeth. Use implant-specific floss, a floss threader, or an interdental brush to clean under and around the crown or bridge.
Water flossers are excellent tools for implant care, especially if you’ve had multiple implants or wear a bridge. They remove debris in hard-to-reach areas and are gentle on the gums.
Use an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash as recommended by your dentist to help reduce bacteria around the implant site and protect against infection.
Even when implants feel and look like natural teeth, it’s important to stay alert for early signs of problems:
If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t wait. Contact our Kendall, FL dental team right away so we can examine the area and prevent complications.
At-home care is only part of the equation. Regular professional cleanings and exams allow us to:
We recommend visiting our Kendall office at least twice a year—or more often if you’ve had multiple implants or a history of gum disease.
At Berrey Family Dentistry, we’re proud to help patients restore their smiles with long-lasting, beautifully crafted dental implants. But our care doesn’t stop after placement—we’re committed to guiding you through the full lifespan of your implant with education, support, and personalized attention.
We’re here for you! Whether you’re healing from a recent procedure or just want to make sure you’re doing everything right at home, our team is ready to help.
Ready to schedule your consultation with our dentist in Kendall, FL? Call us at 954-504-2094
