Are you seeking a more reliable and longer-lasting solution for tooth loss than dentures or dental bridges? If so, you might be a good candidate for dental implants. These replacement teeth are the only ones that are surgically embedded in your jaw and eventually fuse with the bone to become a more permanent part of your mouth.
However, as strong and sturdy as these restorations can be, they’re not invincible. Continue reading to learn 3 tips that can help you avoid potential implant failure so you can enjoy their many benefits for years to come!
Tip #1: Clean Your Mouth Consistently
This procedure has an incredibly high success rate of more than 90%, but if you don’t clean your mouth regularly, you could harm your new teeth. For instance, unhealthy bacteria can penetrate the bone and connective tissues that hold your restoration in place, resulting in peri-implantitis, the leading cause of failure.
Your dentist may recommend that you avoid brushing or flossing for the first few days after your surgery to allow your tender tissues time to heal. Then, it’s usually safe to resume your twice-daily dental hygiene routine, as long as you take care not to press your floss so deeply into the pocket of your prosthetic that you damage its protective seal.
Tip #2: Quit Smoking
Did you know that some sources estimate that patients who smoke can be up to 140% more likely to experience implant failure? This is because cigarettes, vapes, and other tobacco products contain nicotine, which is a vasoconstrictor. It limits your blood’s oxygen content and flow, leaving your body unable to deliver essential nutrients to your teeth and gums to recover. It also suppresses your immune system, increasing the likelihood of developing an infection.
As a result, many experts recommend quitting several weeks in advance of your procedure, then waiting several months to resume smoking to reduce the likelihood of failure. However, this unhealthy habit has been known to cause issues long after the successful implant placement, so it’s best to quit permanently if you can.
Tip #3: Protect Your Teeth
Do you frequently wake in the morning with a sore or stiff jaw? If so, you may be suffering from bruxism, a condition in which people subconsciously grind their teeth together at night. The extra pressure of constantly clenching can potentially destabilize your implant, causing it not to fuse correctly with your jawbone.
Furthermore, if you participate in close-contact activities or team sports, you’re more likely to sustain a physical injury that damages or dislodges your restoration. Your dentist can provide a custom-fitted mouthguard your nightguard to protect and preserve your grin.
Your dentist will likely provide a more comprehensive list of post-operative care instructions intended to help you mend as quickly as possible while avoiding potential complications. Following their directions closely is the best way to heal after getting dental implants!
Meet the Author
Dr. Biju Cyriac has decades of experience helping people of all ages build and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. He initially earned a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree in India and then graduated with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from New York University College of Dentistry. Today, he provides a comprehensive menu of services to meet you and your family’s needs conveniently under one roof, including placing and restoring dental implants. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (717) 741-0893.