Keep implants healthy for life Dental Implant Maintenance

Dental implant maintenance in Encino

Dental implants can't get cavities — but that doesn't make them maintenance-free. The bone and gum tissue surrounding every implant are still vulnerable to plaque and infection, and consistent care is what protects your investment for the long haul.

At our Encino office at 16661 Ventura Blvd, Suite 815 (91436), implant maintenance is one of the most important — and most overlooked — parts of keeping a restored smile healthy. While the implant itself doesn't decay, the tissue around it can. Without regular cleaning, plaque builds up along the implant and gumline, and that can lead to peri-implantitis: an infection that behaves much like gum disease, quietly destroying the bone that holds your implant in place. Left unchecked, it's one of the leading causes of implant failure.

The good news is that peri-implantitis is largely preventable. Daily brushing and flossing around your implants, paired with routine professional cleanings, keeps the surrounding tissue healthy and catches trouble before it starts. Implants have a success rate above 95 percent — but that number depends heavily on maintenance. The patients whose implants last for decades are almost always the ones who stay consistent with home care and regular hygiene visits.

Cleaning an implant isn't the same as cleaning a natural tooth, and it shouldn't be treated that way. Our hygienists are specially trained in implant care and use plastic or resin instruments rather than metal ones, so the implant surface is never scratched — a small detail that makes a real difference in long-term health. Every maintenance visit is gentle, thorough and tailored to the way implants are built.

During each appointment we assess the type and location of any plaque, the implant material and surface, and any early signs of inflammation, bone loss or exposed threads — so problems are caught while they're still easy to address. This close, methodical attention is exactly what keeps a well-placed implant working beautifully for decades rather than years. We care for implant patients across Encino, Sherman Oaks, Tarzana and the greater San Fernando Valley, and our Palmdale office serves the Antelope Valley with the same specialized attention. Whether your implant was placed with us or somewhere else, Dr. Farzad and our hygiene team are happy to take over its long-term care. New patients are welcome at both locations, and we accept most PPO insurance.