What Is Implant Maintenance?
Implant maintenance is a specialized preventive care protocol designed to protect dental implants and the surrounding tissues over the long term. While implants cannot develop cavities, the gum tissue and bone around them remain susceptible to infection. Peri-implant disease, including peri-implant mucositis and the more serious peri-implantitis, can lead to inflammation, bone loss, and ultimately implant failure if not detected and managed early. Regular professional maintenance is the most effective way to prevent these complications.
Dental Implant Maintenance: Quick Facts
| Quick fact | Typical answer |
|---|---|
| Number of visits | 1 per interval |
| Time needed | 45 to 60 minutes |
| Anesthesia | None |
| Recovery time | None |
| How often | Every 3 to 6 months |
These are typical ranges. Your own plan is confirmed after an examination.
Who Needs Implant Maintenance
An implant cannot decay, but the gum and bone around it can become infected in the same way as around a tooth. This infection, peri-implantitis, is the main reason implants are lost, and it is largely preventable.
- Anyone with one or more dental implants
- Patients with a history of gum disease
- People who smoke or have diabetes
- Patients with implant bridges or full arch restorations
- Anyone who notices bleeding around an implant
Dental Implant Maintenance at Bensonhurst Dental Care
At Bensonhurst Dental Care, implant maintenance is provided by Dr. Geoffrey Rubinshtein, who monitors the health of the implant, the surrounding soft tissue, and the supporting bone at each visit. Maintenance appointments include careful cleaning around the implant using instruments specifically designed to avoid scratching the implant surface, probing of the peri-implant tissues to check for inflammation or pocket deepening, and radiographic evaluation when indicated to assess bone levels. Any early signs of trouble are addressed immediately, before they can progress.
What to Expect, Step by Step
- Review. We ask about any changes and check your home care.
- Gum check. The tissue around each implant is gently measured and checked for bleeding.
- Cleaning. Implant-safe instruments remove plaque and tartar.
- Bite and component check. The crown, screw and bite are examined.
- X-ray. Bone levels are checked periodically.
Healthy implant, mucositis and peri-implantitis
| Condition | Signs | Reversible? | Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthy | Firm pink gum, no bleeding | Not applicable | Routine maintenance |
| Peri-implant mucositis | Redness and bleeding, no bone loss | Yes | Professional cleaning and improved home care |
| Peri-implantitis | Bleeding, deeper pockets, bone loss | Bone loss is not fully reversible | Decontamination, laser or surgery |
An implant is the most durable replacement for a tooth, but it is not maintenance-free. Nothing in the mouth is.
Before and After Your Visit
Getting the most from your appointment
Before your visit
- Bring the cleaning aids you use
- Tell us if the implant has felt different
- Mention any bleeding when you clean
After your visit
- Clean around each implant daily with interdental brushes, floss or a water flosser
- Wear your nightguard if one was made
- Keep maintenance visits every three to six months
When to Call Us
Call the office on (718) 234-3434 if you notice any of the following:
- The gum around an implant bleeds or swells
- The crown feels loose or clicks
- You notice a bad taste, pus or gum recession at an implant
How Visits Are Scheduled
Implant maintenance visits are typically coordinated with a patient’s overall periodontal maintenance or routine cleaning schedule, depending on the patient’s periodontal status. For patients with a history of gum disease, maintaining both natural teeth and implants requires the more intensive periodontal maintenance protocol. For patients at elevated risk of peri-implant complications, peri-implantitis treatment using laser technology may be incorporated as a proactive measure.
Cost and Insurance
The fee for periodontal treatment depends on how much of the mouth is affected and on whether surgery or grafting is needed. You receive a written estimate after your gum evaluation.
What affects the cost
- The number of teeth or areas treated
- Whether treatment is non-surgical or surgical
- Graft materials and membranes, where used
- Sedation, if you choose it
Many dental plans contribute to gum disease treatment and maintenance. Benefits are often set per quarter of the mouth. Our team can check your benefits and explain your options before treatment begins.
