The vast majority of the time, dental implant treatment is successful, and patients go ten years without any complications. But as they say, “pride comes before the fall.” It’s still important to take good care of your dental implants and your smile, otherwise, you could end up being among the few that do experience treatment failure. These five simple tips can help you avoid this dental disaster!
#1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Gum disease can be a serious threat to dental implants, especially if the condition spreads to your jawbone and causes damage there. Fortunately, you can prevent gum disease just by committing four minutes a day to oral hygiene! Brushing your teeth twice daily (for about two minutes each session) and flossing at least once per day keeps the harmful bacteria away.
#2. Avoid Tobacco Products
The chemicals in tobacco products are known to damage soft oral tissue, impair the healing process, and increase the risk of infection. Multiple studies show that those who smoke or vape are significantly more likely to experience dental implant failure. So while it might not be easy, avoiding these products as much as possible is in your best interest.
#3. Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools
Teeth and dental implants are strong, but they’re not meant to be used for opening packages and bottles! Doing this repeatedly can prematurely wear down your implants (and natural teeth) or even harm your jawbone. In severe cases, you could break or loosen an implant outright.
#4. Protect Your Implants from Bruxism
Bruxism is characterized by teeth grinding and clenching. This is another habit that can cause excessive wear or dental damage. To protect your smile, ask your dentist for a customized nightguard. By wearing it while you sleep, you’ll soften the physical impact of grinding or clenching your teeth while you sleep.
#5. Visit Your Implant Dentist Every Six Months
Promoting good oral habits and avoiding bad ones are the best things you can do for your dental implants, make no mistake! But there are some forms of bacteria (namely plaque and tartar) that only your dentist can clean away. Plus, they can monitor your implants to help ensure any potential issues are taken care of before they become worse. One checkup and cleaning every six months is enough to significantly improve the lifespan of your dental implants.
No one wants or expects to experience dental implant failure. By following these five tips, you can set yourself up for long-term success and avoid unpleasant complications!
About the Practice
Dr. A. Gary Goodman and his son, Dr. Jeremy Goodman, are highly accomplished dentists who have completed many advanced training courses for complex treatments. Dr. Gary is even a member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and the Chesapeake Implant Study Club. He’s well-qualified to help you avoid dental implant failure and empower you to enjoy your restoration for years to come! To contact Dr. Gary and Dr. Jeremy’s office for an appointment, call 410-263-1919.