Dental Implant Maintenance in Stockholm

Looking after an implant continues after the crown or bridge is fitted. Regular checks and daily cleaning help keep the surrounding gum and bone healthy and allow changes to be assessed early.

At Gloss & Floss on Södermalm, we assess the tissues, cleaning access and restoration, then agree a maintenance plan that fits your needs.

Updated 29 October 2026. Written with contributions from Gloss & Floss Dental Care®.

How often should implants be checked?

Your dentist or hygienist recommends an interval based on tissue health, previous gum disease, cleaning access and the type of restoration. Some stable patients may be reviewed annually; others need visits every 3–6 months or closer follow-up after treatment. Do not wait for a scheduled visit if you notice bleeding, swelling or looseness.

Daily care for established dental implants

Implants cannot develop tooth decay, but bacterial plaque can inflame the tissues around them. Natural teeth alongside implants still need protection against decay.

Brush twice a day for about two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, gently cleaning along the gumline.
Clean between teeth and around implants every day. Ask us to show you the correct size of interdental brush or suitable floss for your restoration.
For an implant bridge, clean underneath it as demonstrated. A small single-tuft brush or other aid may help with difficult areas.
Do not force cleaning tools into a space or scrape implants with sharp instruments. If access is difficult, arrange a review.
If you use a prescribed night guard, follow the advice for wearing and cleaning it.

Mouthwash does not replace brushing or cleaning between teeth. Use chlorhexidine only as advised by your dental team, rather than as a routine long-term substitute for cleaning.

Recently had surgery? Follow your surgeon’s specific instructions during healing. The routines on this page describe ongoing care after healing and may not suit a newly operated area.

What happens at a maintenance visit?

A single implant crown and a full-arch bridge can need different care. Tell us about bleeding, food trapping, changes in your bite, medical conditions and any difficulty cleaning.

Gum and tissue assessment. We check for redness, swelling, bleeding and changes around the implant, with careful pocket measurements where appropriate.
Bone and record review. Previous findings and X-rays help us assess changes. New imaging is recommended when clinically justified, rather than automatically at every cleaning visit.
Professional cleaning. Deposits are removed with methods suitable for the implant and restoration. AirFlow with an appropriate powder and technique may help remove biofilm, but does not replace treatment of established disease.
Restoration and bite check. We assess the crown or bridge for looseness, damage, food traps and signs of excessive loading. Components are investigated or adjusted when indicated.
A practical home-care plan. We demonstrate suitable aids and agree the next visit or treatment review.

Gum inflammation, bone loss and loose components

Peri-implant mucositis

This is inflammation in the soft tissues around an implant, without progressive supporting bone loss. Bleeding, redness or swelling can be signs. Professional care and effective cleaning can help resolve it, with reassessment to check the response.

Peri-implantitis

This involves inflammation and loss of supporting bone. It requires diagnosis and an individual treatment plan; some cases need surgery. Routine cleaning alone may not be enough, and early assessment improves the opportunity to manage the problem.

A loose crown, bridge or implant

A loose crown or screw can be a mechanical problem. Movement of the implant itself is a different and potentially serious finding. You do not need to identify which part is moving: contact us promptly, avoid chewing on that side and do not try to tighten it yourself.

Who may need closer follow-up?

A history of periodontitis, smoking, persistent plaque and difficult cleaning access can increase concern about peri-implant health. Poorly controlled diabetes may also affect inflammation and healing; diabetes alone does not mean that an implant will fail.

Tell us about tobacco or nicotine use so advice can be tailored. Evidence about different products is not identical, so smoking and snus should not be treated as interchangeable risks.

Dry mouth may make oral care more difficult and increase decay risk for remaining natural teeth. Grinding or clenching can stress implant restorations and components; this is assessed separately from plaque-related inflammation. See our advice on dry mouth and night guards.

When to contact a dentist

Arrange a prompt assessment for recurring bleeding, swollen gums, pus, persistent bad taste, pain on biting, new food trapping or exposed implant threads. Problems can develop with little pain.

Seek urgent dental advice for a loose implant or restoration, increasing swelling, fever or significant pain. Rapidly spreading swelling or difficulty breathing or swallowing requires emergency medical care. Do not wait for your next maintenance visit.

Emergency dental care

Frequently asked questions

Can I have implant maintenance if treatment was done elsewhere?

Contact us to discuss an assessment. Bring available implant details, previous X-rays and treatment records, especially if you have a complex bridge or a loose component. The assessment determines what care is appropriate.

Is implant maintenance painful?

Inflamed areas may feel tender. Tell us about sensitivity or anxiety so we can adapt the cleaning, take breaks and discuss pain relief where needed.

Does bleeding mean my implant is failing?

Not necessarily. Bleeding may reflect inflammation or local irritation, but persistent bleeding needs assessment. An examination is needed to distinguish soft-tissue inflammation from bone loss or other problems.

Can peri-implantitis be treated?

Treatment aims to control inflammation and limit further damage. The approach and outlook depend on bone loss, implant position, access for cleaning and individual risk factors. Long-term supportive care remains important.

What does the visit cost?

The cost depends on the assessment and care needed. We explain proposed treatment and fees before proceeding. See our dental fees or contact us about your situation.