Dental implants are a fantastic tooth replacement solution! One impressive aspect of this treatment is that it boasts a success rate of over 95%. However, like any medical procedure, there is a slight possibility of failure. How can you reduce the risk of that happening to you? Here are six valuable tips to help you protect your prosthetic teeth so they stand the test of time.
Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene
Neglecting oral hygiene can lead to peri-implantitis, an infection that can cause significant damage to the tissue around implants and ultimately cause them to fail. To keep harmful bacteria at bay, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque and bacteria from around your implants. Using an antibacterial mouthwash can also help reduce the risk of infection.
Do Not Smoke
Smoking is detrimental to your overall health and significantly increases the risk of dental implant failure. Nicotine restricts blood flow, which can impede the healing process after implant surgery and reduce the likelihood of successful integration of the implant with the jawbone. Smokers are also more likely to experience complications, such as infections and implant rejection. If you smoke, it is highly advisable to quit to improve your chances of long-term implant success.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Routine dental checkups are vital to maintaining the health of your implants. In fact, you should attend at least two preventive visits per year. Regular visits to your dentist allow for early detection of potential issues and timely intervention. Your dentist can monitor the condition of your implants, clean them professionally, and provide guidance on proper care.
Make Wise Food Choices
Your diet plays a significant role in the health of your dental implants. Limit your intake of hard, sticky, and sugary foods that could damage the implants or the surrounding tissues. Opt for a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals that promote oral health. Foods high in calcium and vitamin D are especially beneficial for maintaining strong bones and supporting implant stability.
Protect Your Implants from Damage
Physical trauma can lead to dental implant failure. If you participate in contact sports or activities with a high risk of impact, consider wearing a mouthguard to shield your prosthetic teeth. Similarly, if you grind your teeth during sleep, you may need a special nightguard to protect your smile. Additionally, avoid using your teeth as tools to open packages or bite into hard objects, as this could break your implants or cause them to loosen.
Manage Your Overall Health
Your general health has a direct impact on the success of your dental implants. Conditions such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and autoimmune disorders can affect the healing process and increase the risk of implant failure. If you have been diagnosed with any such conditions, work with your primary care practitioner to manage them. A balanced diet, sufficient rest and exercise, and appropriate medications may all be helpful.
Dental implant failure is rare, but it can happen! Use the tips in this article to keep your risk to a minimum.
Meet the Practice
At Soleil Dental in Dallas, our team is pleased to offer start-to-finish dental implant care in a modern and welcoming environment. If you have questions about dental implants or how you can support their long-term success, we would be happy to speak with you. Contact our office at 214-304-2112.