Dental implants are meant to be a permanent solution for missing teeth; they have the potential to last throughout a patient’s lifetime. However, there are some circumstances that can cause them to fail. What can you do to help your new teeth stand the test of time? You might need to make some lifestyle changes. Here are some things you can do to set your smile up for success:
Take Excellent Care of Your Mouth
Dental implants can fail if harmful bacteria attack the tissue around them. The best way to reduce the risk of that happening is via thorough oral hygiene. You should:
- Visit your general dentist every six months for a checkup and professional cleaning.
- Thoroughly brush your teeth twice a day.
- Clean around the base of your dental implants with floss or an oral irrigator.
- See your dentist at the first sign of an infection in your gums (such as redness, swelling, gum recession, or bad breath that will not go away).
Quit Smoking
Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for dental implant failure. It can increase your risk of gum disease, slow down your body’s ability to heal, and cause other issues. If you smoke, you should make every effort to kick the habit. Your primary care practitioner may be able to help. If you do not quit entirely, you should at least cut back on the number of cigarettes you smoke.
Manage Your Overall Health
There is a strong link between oral and overall health, so it is in the best interests of your dental implants to take care of your body from head to toe. For example, eating a balanced diet can provide your mouth with all the nutrients it needs to have a well-functioning immune system that can fight off oral infections. Regular exercise can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body (inflammation is a key indicator of gum disease).
You should also do what you can to manage the stress in your life. Not only can prolonged stress negatively affect the immune system, but it can also be a trigger for teeth grinding, which is a risk factor for dental implant failure.
Additionally, if you have diabetes, you should be diligent about managing it. Uncontrolled diabetes is associated with a heightened risk of gum disease.
Your dental implants could be with you for the rest of your days. Do your part to help them thrive by leading a healthy lifestyle!
Meet the Practice
Drs. Steve Koo, Thomas Weil, and William Shepard are the board-certified oral surgeons in our practice. Along with our support team, they provide top-quality dental implant services, including implant placement, dental implant salvage, and more. If you have questions about this form of tooth replacement and how to make it stand the test of time, we would be pleased to speak with you. Reach out to us at 713-597-7340.