For a dental implant to last for many years, it does take some basic maintenance on your part. For example: Brush and floss your teeth. Keep up with good dental hygiene habits. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day. This is recommended for all people, not just those with dental implants. But taking care of your teeth is important for maintaining your dental implant. While your dental implant is not susceptible to decay, preserving your other teeth and your gum health which directly supports it. Go to the dentist every 6 months. Routine dental appointments are also important for helping your implant last. Keeping your teeth clean and your gums healthy will help your implant stay solidly in place. These exams also identify any potential issues that could jeopardize your implant, such as gum disease. Avoid smoking. Smoking is one of the biggest detriments to the health of your dental implant. It restricts the blood flow in vessels in the gums which can affect the healing process as well as osseointegration, so your implant may never solidify. Live a healthy lifestyle. Keeping yourself healthy is an important part of your dental health as well. Bone health is key, because if your bones weaken your jaw may not be able to support your implant as well as your other teeth. Take vitamins and supplements, especially calcium and potassium for bone health, with approval from your doctor.