Dental implants have been replacing missing teeth for decades, earning a reputation for durability and reliability, even boasting an impressive 95 percent success rate. But preventing failure still requires some effort on your part. Here are four easy ways to protect your newly restored smile so it lasts a lifetime!
No Smoking
If you were a tobacco user prior to getting dental implants, your dentist probably instructed you to temporarily quit. That’s because smoking and using these types of products can leave your new prosthetics vulnerable to infection and can slow down the healing process. It can also cause dry mouth, which increases the risk of gum disease and yes, dental implant failure.
If you’ve already temporarily quit, keep the momentum going and do your best to remain tobacco free. Otherwise, try your best to quit again, but this time for good. This will increase your odds of implant success so your new prosthetics will last as long as possible.
Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene is important whether you have all your natural teeth or are missing one or more. Be sure to brush your teeth (both real and prosthetic) twice a day, and floss once a day. Furthermore, don’t forget to visit your dentist every six months for your regular check-up and cleaning appointments to ensure that your mouth is healthy. Poor oral hygiene can result in a condition called peri-implantitis that can increase your risk of dental implant failure.
Use Your Teeth Properly
One of the main benefits of dental implants is the ability to eat a full diet with zero restrictions, but there are still a few things you should avoid using them for. Never utilize them to tear open packaging, bite your fingernails, or crunch on anything too hard such as hard candy or ice cubes, as these can damage your crowns or loosen the implant posts!
Wear Your Mouthguard
Do you grind your teeth? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, upwards of 15 percent of adults do. This condition is known as bruxism, and it can increase your risk of dental implant failure. If you are a tooth grinder, speak to your dentist about having a custom mouthguard created, and be sure to wear it as prescribed.
Remember, today’s dental implants boast an impressive 95 percent success rate, but to enjoy your smile for a lifetime, you’ll need to take excellent care of it by avoiding risky behaviors. If you believe you are experiencing dental implant failure, please contact your dentist as soon as possible for help.
About Our Practice
At Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial, & Implant Surgery, we are proud to care for the smiles of NOVA area patients when it matters most. If you are suffering from dental implant failure, don’t lose hope. Our team of highly skilled oral surgeons is happy to provide implant failure and salvage treatment that could help restore your smile and protect your restorations. To schedule a consultation, please visit our website today.