Maintaining the implants

After placement, the implants (like natural teeth) should be cleaned with a periodontal exfoliator (dental instruments) to remove any plaque or tartar. Implants lose bone at a similar rate as natural teeth in the mouth (for example, if someone has gum disease, the implant could be affected by a similar disorder) but will persist otherwise. Porcelain on crowns is expected to discolor, crack or require repair approximately every ten years, although there is significant variation in the service life of dental crowns based on position in the mouth, forces applied from opposite teeth and restoration materials. When implants are used to maintain a full denture, depending on the type of bonding, the bonds must be changed or updated every one to two years. An oral irrigator may be useful for cleaning around implants.