Dental implants are a life-changing solution for replacing missing teeth, boasting an impressive 98% success rate. However, without proper care, you could find yourself among the small percentage of patients who experience dental implant failure. The good news is that by following a few preventive measures, you can help ensure your dental implants last a lifetime.
What Causes Dental Implant Failure?
Dental implant failure can occur for several reasons, including:
- Poor oral hygiene: Plaque buildup can lead to peri-implantitis, an infection that can damage the bone supporting the implant.
- Insufficient bone support: Without adequate bone density, implants may not integrate properly.
- Smoking: Tobacco use can restrict blood flow and slow healing.
- Medical conditions: Uncontrolled diabetes and other health issues can affect healing and bone integration.
- Teeth grinding: Excessive pressure on your implant can lead to complications over time.
Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene
One of the most important steps to prevent implant failure is maintaining excellent oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss daily, and consider using an antimicrobial mouth rinse to reduce bacteria around the implant site. Keeping your mouth clean helps prevent infections that could compromise your implant.
Keep Up with Regular Dental Visits
Routine dental checkups and cleanings are essential for protecting your dental implants. Your dentist will monitor the health of your gums and bone around the implant, clean hard-to-reach areas, and identify any issues early before they develop into serious complications.
Avoid Tobacco Use
Smoking is a significant risk factor for dental implant failure, as it can slow down healing and increase your risk of infection. If you’re considering dental implants, quitting smoking before and after your procedure can greatly improve your chances of success.
Protect Your Implants from Excessive Force
If you grind your teeth at night, talk to your dentist about a custom night guard to protect your implants. Avoid using your teeth to open packages or bite down on hard objects like ice or pens, as excessive force can damage the implant or surrounding structures.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Your overall health plays a significant role in the success of your dental implants. Managing conditions like diabetes, eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, and staying hydrated can support your body’s healing and help maintain the health of your implants.
Follow Your Dentist’s Post-Op Instructions
After your dental implant surgery, carefully follow your dentist’s post-operative care instructions, including dietary guidelines and oral hygiene tips. This will help your implant site heal properly and reduce your risk of complications.
Set Your Implants Up for Lifelong Success
With the right care and preventive measures, your dental implants can last a lifetime, providing you with a stable, natural-looking smile and restored confidence. If you have any concerns about your implants or your oral health, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist for guidance and support.
About the Practice
At Nu Dental of Eatontown, our caring team is dedicated to helping you restore your smile with advanced dental implants and compassionate, personalized care. We’ll guide you through every step of the process, from your initial consultation to your post-op care and beyond, so you can enjoy a healthy, confident smile for life.
Call us at (732) 863-3899 or request an appointment online.