Do You Still Need Dental Cleanings If You Have Dental Implants? 

Dental implants in Queens are an excellent prosthetic to replace missing teeth—but does that mean they don’t require regular care? While implants are artificial, your mouth is still a living ecosystem. Besides brushing and flossing, dental implants require regular exams and dental cleanings to prevent failure.  

With regular cleanings, you can prevent bacterial buildup, maintain healthy gums, and ensure your implants remain stable, protecting your investment for a lifetime.

Why Cleanings Are Still Essential With Dental Implants

Many patients' lives have been transformed by dental implants, which provide a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing replacement for missing teeth. Do you still require professional cleanings after investing in this cutting-edge dental treatment, though?

Absolutely. Without them, bacteria can accumulate around the implant site. This buildup can lead to a serious condition called peri-implantitis, which is similar to gum disease and can result in bone loss or even implant failure.  

In fact, peri-implantitis is one of the leading causes of implant complications, and it often develops silently—without pain—until the damage is done.

Why Isn’t At-Home Care Enough

Do you use antimicrobial mouthwash, brush twice a day, and floss every day? That's great—and crucial for your implant’s health. However, it cannot be used as a substitute for professional cleaning.

No matter how careful you are, there are places that your toothbrush and floss cannot reach, particularly beneath full mouth prosthetics or implant-supported bridges. The only one who can identify and remove deep plaque, assess tissue health, and stop problems before they arise is your dentist.

For this reason, visits every six months are recommended to maintain your smile in optimal condition.

What Happens During a Dental Implant Cleaning?

There is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to dental cleanings for implant patients. To maintain the health of your implant and surrounding tissues, top implant dentists in Queens employ specialized instruments and methods. Your expert cleaning could consist of:

1. Gentle scaling around the implant to remove hardened plaque (calculus) without scratching the implant surface.

2. Soft-tissue evaluation to check for signs of inflammation or bone loss.

3. The implant mobility test, used to ensure the implant remains secure.

4. Bite assessment to catch signs of undue stress on the implant crown or bridge.

The Long-Term Benefits of Regular Cleanings—Even with Implants

Skipping cleanings might not hurt today, but even without symptoms, damage can be building up. By the time signs like bleeding gums, bad breath, or shifting bite start to appear, your implant may already be compromised.

To prevent that, routine dental cleanings help:

• Extend the life of your dental implants

• Protect the surrounding natural teeth and bone

• Keep your breath fresh and your smile bright

• Save you money on costly corrective procedures down the road

Schedule Your Cleaning for Dental Implants in Queens Today

Implants flourish with expert care, just like natural teeth. Regular dental cleanings are essential for individuals with dental implants, whether they are full-mouth, All-on-X, or single-tooth implants.  

Don't wait for a minor issue to grow into a major one. Schedule an appointment with an implant specialist at Kew Gardens Dental Arts to ensure your smile remains robust, healthy, and attractive for the rest of your life.

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