Dental implants are successful in more than 95% of cases, so you can be confident that your new teeth will serve you well for many years to come. However, nothing is guaranteed. In rare cases, dental implant failure occurs. How can you avoid that sad outcome? This blog post outlines five practical steps that will reduce the risk that something will go wrong with your restored smile.
Commit to Oral Hygiene
Infection is a leading cause of dental implant failure. In many cases, it occurs due to mistakes in oral hygiene. To make sure your oral hygiene routine is sufficient, you should:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
- Floss once a day.
- Clean beneath your dental implant restorations (if you have a bridge).
- Regularly rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash.
- Ask your dental hygienist for personalized oral hygiene coaching.
Quit Smoking
Smoking can contribute to dry mouth and reduce your body’s ability to fight off infections. It drastically increases the risk of dental implant failure! It would be in your best interests to completely avoid both cigarettes and chewing tobacco. If quitting seems like too big of a challenge right now, you can at least try to cut back. Simply reducing your use of cigarettes can be beneficial for your dental implants.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
It is a good idea to visit your general dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup. They can inspect your mouth for signs of developing problems and recommend prompt treatment. They can also remove your implant restorations, clean around the tops of your implants, and offer personalized advice for caring for your mouth.
Enjoy a Balanced Diet
Dental implants can equip you to eat virtually any food. However, just like natural teeth, some foods are better for them than others. Try to avoid biting down on extremely hard foods, like ice and jawbreaker candies. You should also try to minimize your sugar intake. Center your diet on nutrient-rich foods that support oral and overall health, such as those that contain calcium and vitamin D.
Manage Your Overall Health
Certain systemic health conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, can increase the risk of dental implant failure. If you have diabetes (or are prediabetic), you should work with your primary care practitioner to manage your condition. Smart dietary choices, a good exercise routine, and in some cases, medication, can all be very helpful.
For most people, avoiding dental implant failure is not difficult! Apply the advice in this blog post to set your smile up for long-term success.
Meet the Practice
Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery is home to a skilled team of board-certified oral surgeons. Dental implants are among the many services we offer. We combine our extensive knowledge with state-of-the-art technology to minimize the risk of post-op complications and early dental implant failure. To learn more about how we may be able to help you build a new smile, contact our Alexandria office at 571-777-6501.