As a dentist, I get that most patients do not look forward to dental cleanings. If your teeth feel fine (and there is no pain), you might even be tempted to skip your 6-month checkup altogether.
But if you have dental implants, those regular visits aren’t just “nice to have.” They are and should be non-negotiable. The simple reason is because it helps extend the longevity of your dental implants.
At Maple Dental, we often get asked: “Why do I need to come back every 6 months if my implant is not giving me any trouble?” The short answer? To protect your investment and your overall oral health.
If this has not convinced you enough, hopefully this blog article helps to change your mind.
What Happens During a 6-Monthly Dental Cleaning?
A regular dental cleaning and review appointment typically includes:
Scaling and Polishing – To remove plaque, tartar, and stains from your teeth and gum line.
Dental Examination – To check for early signs of decay, gum disease, or oral lesions
X-rays (if needed) – Especially to monitor bone around your implant or assess hidden issues
Review of Your Implant(s) – To ensure everything is stable, clean, and functioning as intended
Even if your implant looks great on the outside, subtle changes could be happening underneath — and that is where professional care makes a difference.
Why Are Dental Cleanings Important for Implant Patients?
1. Implants Are Not Immune to Gum Disease
While implants can’t get cavities, they can still suffer from peri-implant mucositis (gum inflammation) or peri-implantitis (bone loss around the implant). These conditions often develop silently — with no pain in the early stages.
Routine cleanings help us spot and manage inflammation early, before it leads to more serious complications or implant failure.
2. Tartar Builds Up Around Implants Too
Even with perfect brushing, tartar can accumulate in hard-to-reach spots — especially around implant crowns, bridges, or hybrid dentures. This buildup increases your risk of gum recession, bad breath, and infection.
During your 6-month visit, we’ll use implant-safe instruments to remove buildup without scratching your implant surface.
3. Implants Need Monitoring Over Time
After an implant is placed, your bone and gum tissue continue to adapt. We check for:
- Implant mobility (implants should not be moving!)
- Recession around the crown
- Signs of bone loss on X-rays
- Loosening of screws or components
- Bite misalignment that could cause stress on the implant
Think of it like servicing a car. Even if everything feels fine, maintenance is what keeps it running smoothly for years to come.
4. You’re More Likely to Keep Your Natural Teeth Too
Patients who come in regularly are more likely to:
- Maintain healthier gums
- Avoid new cavities or infections
- Identify issues early (before they become expensive or painful)
- Preserve their smile’s function and aesthetics over the long term
But I Brush and Floss Every Day! Isn’t That Enough?
Brushing and flossing daily is essential — and we love patients who take their oral hygiene seriously! But home care can’t:
- Remove hardened tartar
- Clean under implant bridges or overdentures thoroughly
- Detect bone changes beneath the surface
- Diagnose silent issues like early-stage peri-implantitis
Even the best oral hygiene routines need professional support to stay ahead of problems.
What If I Have Multiple Implants or Full-Mouth Implants?
If you have multiple implants, full arch implant bridges, or hybrid dentures (like All-on-4), your maintenance needs are even more specific.
We may recommend:
- 3–4 monthly reviews for high-risk cases
- Special cleaning tools (e.g. water flossers, interdental brushes)
- Custom maintenance plans to suit your bite, prosthesis, and gum health
At Maple Dental, every case is assessed by me or one of our trusted dentists to ensure your implants last for the long haul.
What Happens If I Skip Cleanings After Getting Implants?
Here’s what can happen if you skip your maintenance appointments:
- Gum inflammation worsens
- Tartar hardens around your implant, making it harder to clean
- Hidden bone loss goes undetected
- Implant crown may loosen due to bite stress
- You risk peri-implantitis which is a major cause of implant failure
The cost of treating advanced implant infections often outweighs the cost of prevention.
At Maple Dental, We Make Dental Implant Maintenance Easy
Your time is valuable, and we respect that. That’s why we:
- Offer efficient, implant-safe cleaning sessions
- Track your implant health at every visit
- Send reminders for checkups so you stay on schedule
- Customise your maintenance plan based on your oral condition and lifestyle
Whether you have just had your implant done or it has been a few years, we are here to keep your smile stable, strong, and stress-free.
Dental implants are an investment in your smile. Protect that investment with regular, preventive care because long-term success starts with consistent maintenance.
