Dental implants boast an impressive success rate; they do well in more than 95% of cases! However, it must be admitted that, in rare instances, they can fail. You should not be overly worried about that happening to you, but at the same time, it would be wise of you to take action to keep your risk level to a bare minimum. How can you do that? This blog post shares some helpful tips.
Stick to a Thorough Oral Hygiene Routine
A thorough oral hygiene routine will reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth and lower your risk of dangerous oral infections. You should:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day, ensuring that you clean all sides of the implant restorations and the surrounding gums.
- Use non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid damaging your implant restorations.
- Floss daily or use a water flosser to clean around your implants and their restorations.
- Consider incorporating mouthwash into your routine, as it can help to reduce bacteria and keep your mouth fresh.
Care for Your Overall Health
Your overall health can play an important role in the long-term success of your implants. Conditions such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and certain autoimmune diseases can affect the healing process and stability of your implants. It is important to manage any chronic conditions and follow your healthcare provider’s advice.
Furthermore, adopting a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular physical activity and sufficient sleep, can enhance your body’s ability to recover and maintain your dental implants. Stress management techniques, such as meditation or yoga, can also contribute positively to your overall health.
Consume a Nutritious Diet
A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is vital for oral health and the success of dental implants. You should include plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and other nutrient-dense choices in your meals. Calcium and Vitamin D are particularly important for bone health, and they can be found in foods such as dairy products, leafy greens, and fish. Avoiding excessive sugar intake is also crucial; overindulging in sweets can encourage the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth.
Do Not Neglect Regular Dental Visits
Routine dental checkups (at least twice a year) are essential for monitoring the condition of your dental implants. At these appointments, your dentist will assess the health of your gums and the stability of the implants. If they identify any problems, they should be addressed ASAP.
Professional cleanings are also important, as they can remove plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing and flossing might miss.
Avoid the Use of Tobacco Products
Tobacco use is a major risk factor for dental implant failure. Smoking and chewing tobacco can impair blood flow to the gums, delay healing, and increase the risk of infection. In turn, these issues can compromise the stability and health of your implants. If you currently use tobacco, consider seeking help to quit. There are numerous resources available, including support groups, medications, and counseling services, which can assist you in breaking the habit.
While you may not be able to completely eliminate your risk of dental implant failure, you can minimize it! Follow the tips in this article to maintain a strong and healthy smile.
Meet the Practice
At Arts Family Dentistry of Dallas, our skilled team proudly partners with local oral surgeons to provide start-to-finish dental implant services. If you have questions about this form of tooth replacement or how you can make a success out of it, we would be pleased to speak with you. Contact our office at 469-981-1700.