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Now that you’ve rebuilt your smile with the help of durable, natural-looking dental implants, you likely want to ensure that your gorgeous grin lasts a lifetime. Unfortunately, however, while your prosthetics are strong enough to restore the appearance and function of your arches, they’re not completely indestructible. In fact, you may need to make a few important lifestyle changes to help increase their odds of survival. Here are some ways you can help protect your dental implants, so your beautiful smile is a stunning success!
Oral Hygiene & Maintenance
If poor oral hygiene is partly responsible for your tooth loss in the first place, you likely already know the dangers of not properly caring for your teeth and gums. Unfortunately, however, while your new dental implants can’t get cavities like real teeth, they are still vulnerable to poor oral hygiene. In fact, one of the leading causes of dental implant failure is a condition that is like gum disease called peri-implantitis. This can cause not only the implant to fail but it can also cost you other teeth as well as portions of your jaw.
In addition to maintaining an excellent oral hygiene routine including brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing daily, it is important to keep attending your regular, 6-month preventive dental exams and cleanings. These appointments will not only keep your dental implants looking sparkly white, but they also help your dentist monitor their health and prevent them from failing.
Prevention & Protection
Do you grind your teeth or play sports? If so, it’s important to protect your smile with the help of a bite guard or mouthguard. These devices were designed to fit comfortably into the mouth to ensure that your teeth are cushioned in the event of pressure from bruxism (grinding) or sports injury. Again, while your dental implants were designed to last a lifetime, they can still become damaged or worn due to injury from athletic performance and grinding.
Diet & Exercise
Eating a healthy diet full of vitamin C, D, and calcium can help keep your gums and bones strong so your dental implants have a firm foundation for longevity. Furthermore, be sure to avoid crunching on anything too hard or sticky with them, such as ice cubes or hard candies, as these can break the crowns. Also, never use them for anything but food, such as to open packaging or bite your fingernails!
Exercise can also help maintain bone density, which is essential for your dental implants to stay securely in place.
Tobacco & Alcohol Use
While an occasional glass of wine won’t cause your dental implants to fail, excessive drinking can slow the healing process and decrease their odds for success. Furthermore, tobacco use of any kind decreases the blood flow to the gums, which not only delays recovery, but it can also cause failure. Thus, if you smoke, chew tobacco, vape, or dab, it is a good idea to quit to help safeguard your smile!
Medical Conditions & Medications
Some medical conditions may make it harder to heal from dental implant surgery, such as diabetes, while others like osteoporosis may affect bone density. Medications for certain illnesses can also cause dangerous problems like dry mouth, which may increase your odds of failure, as well as conditions like gum disease and peri-implantitis. If you do suffer from any illnesses or take any medications (both over the counter or prescribed) be sure to let your dentist know as soon as possible to avoid any potential complications.
Remember, your dental implants were designed to last a lifetime, but without some important lifestyle changes, they may have a harder time being successful. Thus, be sure to take a closer look at your routine and make modifications as needed to protect your newly rebuilt smile for as long as possible.
About Dr. Cowell
Dr. Christopher Cowell earned his undergraduate degree at Stetson University and his dental degree at the University of Florida College of Dentistry. He is a proud, active member of the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists. To schedule a consultation for dental implants, visit our website or call 386-734-8585 today.