Did you know that dental implants have an incredibly high success rate of 95%? This is only one of the reasons they’re considered the gold standard of tooth replacements. Of all the options, they also look and function the most like your natural pearly whites and can last up to 30 years with the right care. That said, they’re not entirely impervious to harm. Subjecting them to certain circumstances could weaken them or cause them to fail altogether. Keep reading to learn about 4 things to avoid so you can keep making the most of your dental implants!
#1: Using Tobacco
Tobacco products like cigarettes and flavored vapes contain nicotine which is bad news for your dental implant. This addictive ingredient reduces oxygen content and lowers your blood flow so your body can’t deliver essential nutrients to your gums or teeth. Unfortunately, that means your false tooth won’t heal correctly and could fail.
It’s easy to think if you wait until you’re fully healed that you can resume smoking, but that’s not the case. It’s been known to hurt dental implants years after patients have recovered from the surgical procedure, meaning that it’s best to leave this habit behind.
#2: Consuming Sugary Foods
Though there are fewer dietary restrictions with this form of tooth restoration than others, you should still watch what you eat. Sugar attracts unhealthy bacteria that contribute to cavities and gum disease. If your jaw and gums are infected, they could become too weak to continue supporting your dental implant as well as any remaining natural pearly whites. If you have a sweet tooth you simply must appease, try your best to cut back on how much or how frequently you’re indulging in sweet foods and beverages.
#3: Biting Hard Objects
Though your dental implants are incredibly durable, if you use them inappropriately then you could chip or break them. You should never open packages with your false teeth, for example. Instead, take an extra moment or two to find the appropriate tool for the job, like a knife or pair of scissors. You should also steer clear of nervously chewing pen caps or biting your nails if you can help it because this can also put your smile at risk.
#4: Skipping Dental Appointments
Unfortunately, it’s possible to have cavities or gum disease and not know it. These oral issues can spread to your other teeth and jawbone in addition to entering your bloodstream and spreading to other areas of your body. That’s why it’s so important to visit your dentist every 6 months for a checkup and professional cleaning. This allows them to identify and mend any areas of concern before your dental implant, or overall health, is impacted.
Now that you know how to keep your dental implants in prime condition, you can continue enjoying their many benefits for years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Dhavalkumar Rana at TrueCare Dentistry provides a wide range of dental services to meet all your needs. He completed his doctorate at New York University where he mastered a variety of advanced procedures, including dental implants. From your initial consultation to oral surgery to finally placing your false tooth, he can personally see you through every step of the process. If you’d like to make an appointment, you’re welcome to request one on the website or contact the office at (469) 399-7288.