Dental implants have a very high success rate (up to 98%). The implants and their restorations look and act just like natural teeth – and just like natural teeth, they require good oral healthcare to increase the chances of success, and to keep them in good condition.

If you have lost one or more teeth once you won’t want it to happen again, which is why it is important to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions carefully. Looking after your implants properly requires teamwork between your dentist, your hygienist and yourself with a strong home care routine.

Your implants will require regular maintenance appointments, just like your teeth require regular dental appointments to keep them healthy and to spot any potential problems as early as possible. You will be provided with full aftercare instructions once your implants have been fitted, and so long as you follow these carefully, your implants are unlikely to fail.

However, should this start to happen, spotting it early is the best way to avoid further complications. Early signs of failure will be identified with regular dental examinations and x-rays to monitor how well the implant is integrating with the bone. You may need to come for a check-up more frequently than the standard six months recommended for regular dental examinations, and you should always follow this advice to increase the chances of your implants succeeding. If anything unusual is spotted we are usually able to correct it with minor remedial treatment.

As well as attending regular follow-up appointments with your dentist, you should also make regular visits to the hygienist. The implant-restored teeth are no more difficult to clean than natural teeth, but there may still be areas that are difficult to reach. Your hygienist can help you clean these difficult areas, and will recommend the best products and techniques to use at home to maximise the chances of your implants’ success.