Dental implants are surgically placed in the jawbone to replace missing teeth. They can support single crowns, bridges, or dentures, restoring both function and appearance.

A dental implant typically has three parts:

• The titanium post, which functions like the root of a tooth.
• The abutment, which connects the post to the crown.
• The crown, which looks and functions like a natural tooth.

Healthy gums are essential for the long-term success of implants.

Plaque and bacteria that collect around implants can cause inflammation and lead to peri-implant diseases:

• Peri-implant mucositis — similar to gingivitis, reversible with good oral hygiene.
• Peri-implantitis — similar to periodontitis, involving bone loss and requiring professional treatment.

Daily cleaning of all implant surfaces, both above and below the gumline, plus regular dental check-ups, is key to prevention.

Dental implants can be kept healthy with the right techniques:

• Use a manual or powered toothbrush with soft bristles.
• Add a Waterpik™ Water Flosser with the Plaque Seeker™ Tip to clean effectively around implants and promote gum health.

The Plaque Seeker™ Tip combines pulsating water with three tufts of bristles, designed to remove stubborn plaque around implants and other vulnerable areas.

Clinical research has shown that the Waterpik™ Water Flosser with the Plaque Seeker™ Tip is more than twice as effective as string floss for patients with implants.

➡ For NHS advice on implants, see NHS – Dental implants.