You care for dental implants much like natural teeth: brush twice a day, floss daily, and keep regular dental checkups to protect the gum and bone around the implant. At Sola Dental Spa in Staten Island, Dr. Daniel Nejat, DMD, a board-certified periodontist, places implants and coaches patients on the simple daily habits that help them last for years. Good hygiene keeps the tissue healthy so the implant stays secure. See our dental implants page for more.
Brush around the implant crown twice daily, clean between teeth with floss or an interdental brush, avoid using teeth as tools, and see your dental team for regular cleanings and checks so problems are caught early.
“An implant will not get a cavity, but the gum and bone around it still need protection. The patients whose implants last are the ones who floss around them and keep their maintenance visits. It really is that straightforward.”
Dr. Daniel Nejat, DMD, Board-Certified Periodontist (Diplomate, American Board of Periodontology), Sola Dental Spa
A Staten Island patient with two implants asked whether he still needed to floss around them since they were not real teeth. We showed him how plaque can still inflame the surrounding gum. He added an interdental brush to his routine, and his checkups have stayed clear ever since.
How should you clean around a dental implant?
Brush twice a day with a soft brush and clean between the implant and neighboring teeth daily using floss or an interdental brush. This removes plaque that could irritate the gum.
While an implant crown cannot decay, the gum and bone that support it can still be affected by plaque buildup. Keeping the area clean helps prevent inflammation around the implant. A soft-bristled brush and daily cleaning between teeth are the foundation of implant care, the same basic habits that protect natural teeth.
Why do regular checkups matter for implants?
Routine visits let your dental team clean areas you cannot reach and check that the gum, bone, and crown around the implant stay healthy, so any early issue is addressed quickly.
Implants integrate with the jawbone and can last a long time when the surrounding tissue stays healthy. Professional cleanings and periodic exams help keep peri-implant tissue in good shape. The American Dental Association notes that with proper care implants are an excellent long-term option for restoring your smile.
What habits protect implants over the long term?
Avoid smoking, do not use your teeth as tools, wear a night guard if you grind, and stay on top of cleanings. These habits protect both the implant and your natural teeth.
Smoking can slow healing and stress the tissue around an implant, so avoiding tobacco helps. If you grind your teeth, a night guard can reduce excess force on the crown. Small, consistent choices keep implants working well for many years. Our guide on recovery after implant placement covers the early healing period.
| Care step | How often |
|---|---|
| Brushing around the crown | Twice daily |
| Cleaning between teeth | Once daily |
| Professional cleaning and exam | As recommended, often twice a year |
If you are still deciding, our guides on how natural implants look and dentures versus implants may help.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to floss around dental implants?
Yes. Cleaning between the implant and nearby teeth removes plaque that can inflame the gum, which is important even though the crown itself cannot decay.
Can dental implants get cavities?
No, the implant crown cannot get a cavity. However, the surrounding gum and bone can be affected by plaque, so daily cleaning still matters.
What toothbrush is best for implants?
A soft-bristled toothbrush is a good choice. Some Staten Island patients also add an interdental brush to clean tight spaces around the implant.
Will a night guard help my implant?
If you grind or clench, a night guard can reduce excess force on the crown and protect your natural teeth at the same time. Ask your dental team.
How long do dental implants last?
With good hygiene and regular checkups, implants can last many years. The healthier you keep the surrounding tissue, the longer they tend to serve you.