You’ve made the investment and gone through the process of getting a dental implant in Chapel Hill. Your new implant feels solid, looks natural, and works like a real tooth, but getting an implant is only half the journey. The other half is what you do every day to protect it.
Dental implants have a success rate of just over 98%. With proper care, they can last a lifetime. Without it, problems like peri-implantitis can develop and threaten your investment.
At Chapel Hill Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. James Furgurson and Dr. Nathan White have helped countless patients maintain their implants for decades. Here’s what you need to know.
Why Implant Maintenance Is Different
Your natural teeth have a protective ligament that attaches them to the bone. It acts as a shock absorber and a barrier against bacteria. Dental implants don’t have that ligament.
This matters because infections around implants can spread faster and deeper than gum disease around natural teeth. Without that protective barrier, bacteria can reach the bone more quickly.
That’s why implant maintenance isn’t optional. It’s essential.
Your Daily Routine at Home
The good news is that caring for implants isn’t complicated. It’s just specific. Here’s what Dr. Furgurson and Dr. White recommend.
Brushing
Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Use gentle, circular motions. Pay extra attention to the gum line around your implant. Avoid abrasive toothpaste. It can scratch the surface of your implant crown over time.
Flossing
Floss once a day. But here’s the key. You need to floss around the implant, not just between your teeth. That means cleaning the space where the implant meets your gum line.
If traditional floss is difficult to maneuver, ask us about implant-specific floss or interdental brushes. These tools are designed to clean around implant crowns and abutments safely.
Rinsing
An antimicrobial rinse can help reduce bacteria. Look for alcohol-free options. Some patients benefit from prescription rinses like chlorhexidine, especially if they have a history of gum disease. Ask Dr. Furgurson or Dr. White if a rinse is right for your situation.
What to Avoid
Some habits can threaten your implant. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Hard and Sticky Foods: Chewing ice, hard candy, or very sticky foods can put excessive force on your implant restoration. Implants are strong, but the crown on top can chip or fracture.
- Smoking and Vaping: Smoking reduces blood flow to your gums and bone. It also impairs healing and has been linked to higher implant failure rates. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your implant.
- Using Your Teeth as Tools: Opening packages, tearing tape, or biting your nails puts stress on your implant. Don’t do it!
- Ignoring Warning Signs: If something feels off, don’t wait. Early intervention is almost always simpler than late-stage treatment.
Professional Maintenance: What to Expect
At-home care is critical. But it’s not enough. You also need professional checkups and cleanings.
How Often Should You Visit?
Most implant patients should see us every six months for a checkup and cleaning. If you have a history of gum disease or other risk factors, we may recommend more frequent visits.
What We Check
At your maintenance visits, Dr. Furgurson or Dr. White will:
- Examine your gums for signs of inflammation, bleeding, or recession.
- Check your implant restoration for any looseness, wear, or damage.
- Measure pocket depths around your implant to detect early problems.
- Take X-rays as needed to evaluate bone levels around your implant.
- Clean your implant and surrounding teeth professionally.
Professional Cleaning for Implants
Implant cleanings require special instruments. We use non-metal tools to avoid scratching the implant surface. Scratches can create places for bacteria to hide.
If we detect early signs of inflammation, we may recommend a deeper cleaning or other treatment.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Peri-implantitis is the most serious threat to your implant. It’s an infection that affects the gums and bone around your implant. Left untreated, it can lead to implant loss.
The warning signs include:
- Bleeding when you brush or floss (the earliest sign)
- Red or swollen gums around the implant
- Pain or tenderness when touching the area
- Bad breath or a metallic taste
- Gums receding so the implant looks longer
- Pus around the implant
- A feeling that the implant is loose
If you notice any of these, call our Chapel Hill office right away. Early treatment is much more successful than waiting.
Why Choose Chapel Hill Family & Cosmetic Dentistry?
Dr. Furgurson and Dr. White bring a level of expertise that’s rare in the Chapel Hill area.
Dr. Furgurson holds Fellowships in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI), the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), and the Resnik Implant Institute. He serves on the faculty of the Clinical Mastery Series, where he mentors other dentists in advanced implant techniques. His training helps him recognize and address implant complications that other dentists might miss.
Dr. White is an adjunct associate professor at the UNC School of Dentistry. He completed his dental degree and residency at UNC-Chapel Hill and brings a commitment to evidence-based, conservative care. He understands that preserving your implant means preserving your overall health.
- Complete Care in One Location: From routine cleanings to complex implant maintenance, we handle it all in our Chapel Hill office. You don’t need referrals to outside specialists.
- Advanced Technology: We use CBCT imaging and digital X-rays to monitor your implant and bone health with precision.
Schedule Your Implant Maintenance Visit
Your implant is an investment. Protecting it starts with daily care and regular professional checkups.
Call Chapel Hill Family & Cosmetic Dentistry at (919) 736-6175 or request an appointment online. Dr. Furgurson, Dr. White, and our team are ready to help you keep your smile healthy for life.
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