Dental implants are a popular cosmetic treatment that can restore a missing tooth. Helping maintain jawbone density while offering a lifelike, functional feel, this unique tooth replacement option boasts an impressive 99% success rate! Dental implants are an appealing treatment, but without proper oral care, you may find yourself in the less than 5% who experience implant failure. Fortunately, a few simple habits can help keep your new smile looking strong and healthy. Read on to learn five tips to protect yourself from dental implant failure.
#1 Great Oral Health Routine
Dental implants can’t get cavities like natural teeth, but bacteria in your mouth can still attack them. When bacteria accumulate around the implant, it can lead to gum disease and a weakened jawbone. This is a common cause of dental implant failure.
Just like your natural teeth, brushing twice and flossing once a day can help keep gum disease and its serious complications at bay. Using antibacterial mouthwash can help wash away problematic bacteria in your mouth, keeping your smile fresh and your dental implants safe!
#2 Avoid Hard Foods
Dental implants are durable, but just like natural teeth, they can be damaged by hard foods. Taking an extra step when preparing your meals can help prevent harming your dental implants. Foods like carrots and apples should be cut into bite-sized pieces to avoid damage to the restoration.
#3 Prevent Bruxism
Bruxism is a subconscious teeth grinding or clenching, which can happen while you’re awake or asleep. It can put excess pressure on your implant, potentially damaging or loosening it. Since bruxism is an action you might not be aware of, it can seem tricky to handle, but there are simple steps you can take!
If your dentist notices the signs of teeth grinding, they can give you a nightguard to protect your teeth during the night. Bruxism can be caused by stress or anxiety, so following stress reduction techniques, like deep breathing exercises, can help manage your teeth grinding also.
#4 Break Bad Habits
Dental implants are fused to your jawbone. This helps give them the lifelong durability they are known for! However, some unhealthy habits like smoking and drinking alcohol can threaten that reliable foundation and increase the risk of dental impact failure.
Tobacco can harm the gum and bone tissue around the implant post and eventually lead to gum disease. Additionally, chewing or smoking tobacco not long after dental implant surgery can slow down healing, potentially leading to a weak or unstable implant.
#5 Regular Visits With Your Dentist
Your dentist is trained to recognize the warning signs of dental implant failure. Having a routine cleaning and checkup every six months allows your dentist to examine both your natural and implant teeth.
If there’s anything, they can walk you through the steps needed to protect your smile. The earlier dental implant failure or its risks are detected, the more likely it is that your dentist will be able to help you maintain your complete smile.
While dental implants have a high success rate, there are ways they can fail. Be sure to follow simple tips to ensure your rebuilt smile stays strong for years to come!
About the Practice
At Peabody Smile Design, we have a team of dentists who work together to give you the oral healthcare you deserve. Our very own Dr. Aditya Kashyap has specialized training in dental implants, so you can get a lifelike restoration that will last for decades! If you have missing teeth that you would like to restore, schedule an appointment or call us at (978) 278-5478.