Dental implants are one of the most exciting tooth replacement options in all of modern dentistry! They offer a permanent, natural-looking solution that can restore your smile and your confidence for decades to come. However, while dental implants are incredibly durable and don’t decay the way natural teeth do, their long-term success depends heavily on the choices you make every day. Here are some impactful lifestyle changes you can make if you want your implants to remain healthy and strong for life!
1. Brush and Floss Daily; No Exceptions
Even though dental implants can’t get cavities, the tissue surrounding them absolutely can be compromised. Peri-implantitis, which is an inflammatory condition affecting the gum and bone tissue around an implant, is actually one of the leading causes of implant failure, even though it’s largely preventable with consistent oral hygiene. Plus, any remaining natural teeth you have can still get cavities! With that in mind, brush at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and make a habit of flossing daily.
2. Commit to Smoking for Good
If there’s one lifestyle factor that has the greatest impact on implant success, it’s smoking. Smoking or using tobacco products restricts blood flow to the gums and slows the healing process, which is critical during osseointegration, or the multi-month period when your implant fuses with the jawbone. In fact, studies consistently show that smokers face a significantly higher rate of implant failure than non-smokers. Of course, smoking can negatively affect your implants long after the healing period, too—meaning for the sake of your smile, calling it quits is a wise decision.
3. Wear a Mouthguard During Contact Sports
A sudden blow to the face during a game of football, hockey, soccer, or any other contact sport can damage or dislodge an implant just as easily as it can a natural tooth. If you lead an active lifestyle, a custom-fitted athletic mouthguard from your dentist is a small precaution that offers a massive amount of protection.
4. Don’t Ever Skip Routine Dental Care
Routine biannual dental care matters more than ever when you have dental implants. Your dentist needs to monitor the health of the bone and gum tissue around your implant, check that the crown (or another type of restoration) is secure, and professionally clean the areas that your toothbrush and floss may miss. Problems caught early are far easier and less costly to address than those that are allowed to progress!
5. Address Teeth Grinding or Clenching
Bruxism, or the grinding or clenching of your teeth, can be incredibly problematic for dental implants. This condition places excess pressure on your implant, from the post to the crown on top. If you grind your teeth, ask your dentist about a custom night guard. It’s a simple, comfortable solution that can protect your implants (and your remaining natural teeth) from years of unnecessary wear! It can also prevent problems that impact your jaw joints and overall mouth mobility.
About the Practice
Our team here at Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry proudly serves the needs of those in Ponte Vedra Beach and the surrounding communities. With Dr. Kristopher Harth and Dr. Eric Townsend leading our team, we offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments under one roof, including dental implants. If you have any questions about the blog or you’re ready to schedule an appointment, please contact us online or by phone for additional information. Telephone: (904) 285-7711.