Dental implants are the best way to restore lost teeth because they look and function exactly like natural pearly whites. While these devices are made from incredibly durable materials such as titanium and ceramics, they are not indestructible and will fail if they do not receive the proper care. Here’s a brief guide to how you can keep your dental implants in excellent shape for the longest possible time.
Dental Implants Need Excellent Oral Hygiene
Unlike traditional dental restorations, dental implants only require the same oral hygiene regimen as natural teeth to stay in great shape. This means that you’ll need to brush and floss daily while using antibacterial mouthwash regularly to prevent accumulations of plaque, food debris, and nasty oral bacteria. Without proper hygiene, dental implants can become compromised by periodontal disease that erodes the gum tissue and jawbone structure they depend on for support.
Dental Implants Hate Tobacco
Any form of tobacco use is incredibly horrible for your oral and overall health, and a smoking or chewing habit is an excellent way to increase your risk of dental implant failure. When exposed to the noxious chemicals in tobacco, your gum tissue will harden to defend itself, and having to do this frequently will leave them weak and exhausted. To make things worse, nicotine, the addictive agent in tobacco, causes blood vessels to constrict, which can reduce your gums’ ability to heal and fight disease.
While it’s best to quit tobacco completely, your dentist will probably recommend refraining from using it for at least a few weeks before and a few months after receiving dental implants.
Don’t Abuse Your Dental Implants
Like natural teeth, dental implants can be seriously damaged or even fail if they are used improperly. Using your smile to open bottles or packages is an excellent way to chip, crack, and otherwise break your real and artificial teeth, and chewing on non-food items like ice, wood, and pens can also cause severe damage. Take care to only use your dental implants and natural teeth for eating and smiling.
Don’t let a few bad habits ruin your gorgeous dental implants. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best ways to keep your smile beautiful and healthy.
About the Author
Dr. Gary M. Radz earned his dental degree at the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry and completed two postgraduate residency programs afterward. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. His office in Castle Rock offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implant services. To learn more about keeping your dental implants in great shape, contact his office online or dial (303) 663-9600.