Avoid Dental Implant Failure with These 6 Simple Tips

Did you know that dental implants are successful in roughly 98% of cases? Yes, you can rightly expect your new teeth to serve you well for many years! Of course, it must still be acknowledged that, on rare occasions, dental implant failure does occur. How can you prevent that from happening to you? This blog post contains six simple tips that can help to protect your restored smile.

Stick to a Thorough Oral Hygiene Routine

If harmful bacteria are allowed to flourish in your mouth, they could invade the tissue around your dental implants and potentially cause them to fail. Fortunately, that sad outcome is usually easy to prevent via a thorough oral hygiene routine.

Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day. You should also clean your tight interdental spaces with floss or a water flosser. If you have an implant-supported bridge, you should clean beneath it. If you have a removable implant denture, you should take it out of your mouth daily so you can thoroughly clean it.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Schedule professional cleanings and examinations twice a year, or as often as your dental team recommends. During these visits, your dentist will carefully examine the area around your implants, assess your gum health, and use X-rays if necessary to detect complications below the surface. Early detection of problems makes treatment simpler and more effective, thereby minimizing the risk of implant failure.

Avoid Tobacco Products

Smoking and chewing tobacco reduce blood flow to the gums, hinder healing, and elevate the likelihood of infection. If you smoke or use tobacco, consider seeking support from your healthcare provider to help you quit. It is particularly important to abstain from tobacco during the weeks before and after your implant placement surgery.

Protect Your Implants from Excessive Force

Dental implants are durable, but subjecting them to undue stress may cause damage or failure. Therefore, you should:

• Avoid using your teeth as tools to open packages or bite non-food objects.
• If you grind or clench your teeth, consult your dentist about wearing a custom nightguard.
• Wear a custom mouthguard if you participate in contact sports; it can greatly lower the risk of harm to both your natural and artificial teeth.

Consume a Balanced, Nutritious Diet

Nutrition plays an essential part in your oral and overall health. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports gum tissue health and strengthens your immune system. You should also avoid excessive consumption of sugary and acidic foods, as they may contribute to gum disease and weaken the jawbone. Hydrate with water rather than sugary beverages to help keep your mouth clean and healthy.

Manage Chronic Health Conditions

Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and osteoporosis, may affect dental implant outcomes. If you have any chronic health issues, work closely with your healthcare provider to keep them under control. You should follow your prescribed treatment plans, attend regular medical checkups, and stick to an overall healthy lifestyle.

There is no need to be overly worried about dental implant failure, especially if you have good habits that will support the long-term wellness of your restored smile!

Meet the Practice

At Landmark Dental Studio, Drs. Mickle and Kessler are proud to provide a full range of dental implant services. Whether you are thinking about replacing your lost teeth or looking to find a dentist who can help your implants to thrive, our team would be pleased to serve you. Contact our office in Greenwood Village, CO, at 303-773-8013.