If you have dental implants, cleanings are still a big part of keeping your mouth healthy. Implants cannot get cavities, but they can still collect plaque around the gums, and that can lead to inflammation and per implant disease. The goal is simple, keep the gum tissue calm, keep the implant area clean, and catch small problems before they turn into expensive ones.

For many people in Ontario, a standard cleaning schedule is every six months. With implants, the “right” timing can change based on your gum health, how many implants you have, whether you clench or grind, and how easily you build up tartar.

Canadian dental guidance also points out that after an implant is restored, many patients are re-evaluated every three to four months during the first year, then the recall interval is adjusted based on how the tissues respond. Let’s talk about this in detail.

A practical cleaning schedule for implant patients

Here is how we at Cataraqui Family Dental often explain it in real-life terms:

• Every 3 to 4 months if you have a history of gum disease, bleeding, deep pockets, smoking, diabetes, or early signs of inflammation around an implant. This aligns with the “closer follow-up in year one” idea that Canadian clinical guidance describes.
• Every 6 months if your gums stay stable, your home care is strong, and your implant area stays clean between visits. Canadian patient education materials also encourage six-month     check-ups, with “more often if needed.”
• Custom timing if you have full arch implant bridges, over dentures, or complex bite issues. These can trap plaque differently, so your hygienist may recommend a specific cadence.

What matters most is consistency. Implant problems often start quietly, then show up later as swelling, bleeding, or bone loss.

Do implants need a special hygienist or dentist?

Not always, but you do want a team that is comfortable with implant maintenance. A licensed dental hygienist and a general dentist can care for implants, and many do it every day. What makes it “implant ready” is the approach and the tools, not a special title.

In an implant-focused cleaning, your provider may:

• Measure around the implant to track gum health over time
• Check bite and the fit of the crown or bridge
• Remove plaque and tartar with implant-safe instruments
• Give home care tips that match your implant type, like single implants vs implant bridges

The key point is this, implants need gentle, precise care so the surface is not scratched and the gum seal stays healthy. Regular monitoring is part of the standard maintenance guidance, especially in the first year after restoration.

Are cleanings more expensive after dental implants?

Sometimes, yes, but not because you “have implants” as a flat rule. The cost usually depends on time, complexity, and how much buildup is present. Cleanings can cost more when:

• The appointment needs extra time to clean around multiple implants
• You need deeper gum cleaning, often called periodontal maintenance
• You have an implant bridge or over denture that traps plaque under the prosthesis
• You need more frequent visits, like every 3 to 4 months

In Ontario, many dental offices follow the Ontario fee guide structure, and hygiene fees are often tied to time units. That means if implant care takes longer, the appointment can be priced accordingly. A good clinic will tell you the expected length and cost before they start.

Is implant cleaning covered by insurance?

Often, yes, but coverage depends on the plan. In Ontario,many employer and private plans cover preventive care like exams, scaling, and polishing, but they may limit how often you can go or how many scaling units you can use per year.

A few helpful truths patients run into:

• Insurance usually covers cleanings as preventive care, even if you have implants, as long as you stay within frequency and unit limits
• Implants themselves are often not fully covered on many plans, or they are covered only under specific major categories or riders, depending on the insurer.
• If you need more frequent maintenance because of implant risk factors, your plan may still have a cap, and you may pay the difference.

If you are using the Canadian Dental Care Plan, it covers many preventive services like exams and scaling, but the program does not generally cover dental implants as a treatment. For implant patients, CDCP may still help with regular cleanings depending on your eligibility and the service code, but implant placement and implant surgery are typically excluded.

Best move, bring your insurance details, and we can help you understand what your plan usually reimburses before you commit to a longer visit.

What to do between cleanings to protect implants

Professional cleanings work best when home care is steady.Most implant patients do well with:

• Brushing twice daily, focusing gently at the gum line
• Cleaning between teeth and implants every day using floss, inter dental brushes, or water flossers
• Avoiding smoking, and managing dry mouth
• Booking earlier if you notice bleeding, swelling, bad taste, or tenderness around an implant

Quick recap

Implants do not remove the need for cleanings. For many patients, six months is fine, but some benefit from every three to four months,especially in the first year after the implant is restored or if gum risk factors are present.

At Cataraqui Family Dental, we often hear similar questions from patients who have dental implants. Implants are meant to be a long-term solution, but they still need ongoing care. Knowing what to expect helps you plan better, avoid unnecessary issues, and feel more confident about your oral health decisions.

Our role is to support you beyond procedures and appointments. That includes sharing practical guidance, helping you understand your options, and making sure your care plan makes sense for your health, your habits, and your coverage.