Experts warn that maintaining dental implants requires diligent oral hygiene and regular professional checkups to ensure their long-term success and prevent complications such as peri-implantitis—a gum disease-like condition that can cause inflammation, bone loss, and implant failure if untreated.
“Implants are durable but not immune to damage. Patients often underestimate the importance of ongoing maintenance,” says Dr Leif Björn, Specialist Dentist at Arvika Dental and Implant Clinic, Sweden, advising daily brushing, flossing, and advanced cleaning practices, which are essential to prevent plaque buildup and infections.
Dr Björn highlights light-activated therapy as a cutting-edge solution for enhancing oral hygiene. The Lumoral device, developed by Finnish scientists and now available in over 26 countries, combines a specialised mouth rinse with antibacterial light therapy.
Designed for home use, it effectively cleans hard-to-reach areas, reduces bacterial buildup, and promotes healing around implants.
“Antibacterial treatment is a game-changer for implant patients,” Dr Björn explains. “It targets areas traditional methods miss, such as deep gum pockets and spaces between implants and teeth, reducing inflammation and preventing plaque-related issues.”
He recommends using antibacterial therapy 2-3 times per week in combination with routine brushing and flossing to minimise infection risks and support gum and bone health around implants.
Unlike conventional mouthwashes, advanced antibacterial therapies offer prolonged antimicrobial effects, penetrating deeper into bacterial biofilms while preserving beneficial oral bacteria. These treatments also help avoid the dryness or irritation often caused by traditional mouthwashes, making them gentler on oral tissues.
“Dental implants have success rates exceeding 90pc over a decade, but their longevity depends on meticulous oral care,” says Dr Björn.
He warns that poor hygiene can lead to conditions like mucositis, an inflammation of the soft tissues around implants.
Mucositis affects nearly 50pc of implant patients and is reversible with proper care. However, it can progress to peri-implantitis, a more severe condition affecting 10-20pc of cases and leading to bone loss, he adds.
Studies show that even advanced electric toothbrushes leave behind approximately 35pc of plaque, underscoring the need for complementary cleaning methods.
Dr Björn advises implant patients to adopt a comprehensive approach that includes daily oral hygiene, advanced cleaning tools, and routine dental checkups.
“Prevention is always better than treatment. With the right care and commitment, patients can minimise complications and ensure their implants remain healthy for years to come,” he advises.