Many experts consider dental implants the ideal solution for replacing missing teeth due to their unique advantages. They’re the only restorations that include a titanium rod embedded into your jawbone, becoming a permanent part of your smile. As a result, they tend to be stronger and more resilient than alternative treatments, such as dentures or dental bridges.
Although dental implants have an incredibly high success rate of more than 90%, they’re not completely invincible and can fail under certain circumstances. Continue reading to learn 3 tips that can help you preserve your new teeth!
Tip #1: Stick to Your Routine
Your mouth is full of bacteria, and although some of these perform healthy functions, others contribute to common oral issues such as cavities and gum disease. Unfortunately, the number one leading cause of failure is a pervasive periodontal problem called peri-implantitis. This infection in your connective tissues can spread to your jawbone and erode the material, leaving your implants without a firm enough foundation to remain put.
Thankfully, you can prevent it by brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily. This removes disease-inducing plaque and germs to give your grin enough time to heal effectively and reduces the likelihood of developing complications.
Tip #2: Don’t Smoke
Did you know that smoking greatly increases the chances of dental implant failure? Various studies have demonstrated that patients who use tobacco products like cigarettes, vapes, and chewing dip are significantly more likely to harm their prosthetics. One source indicates that those who enjoy nicotine may be up to 159% more likely to have a problem with their restoration than non-smokers.
This is because these items all contain nicotine, a naturally occurring and addictive stimulant found in tobacco plants. This chemical is also a vasoconstrictor that reduces your blood oxygen levels and flow. That means your body can’t deliver essential nutrients and infection-fighting cells to your teeth and gums, leaving you more vulnerable to diseases like peri-implantitis.
Tip #3: Protect Your Teeth
Athletes and others who participate in close-contact activities or team sports are more likely to damage or dislodge their teeth or prosthetics. For example, a single blow to the face during a match or a game can loosen the titanium rod placed in your jawbone or chip the tooth-shaped cap that’s covering it. Your dentist can provide a custom-fitted mouthguard to shield your grin to protect your pearly whites if you sustain an injury.
Similarly, individuals who suffer from bruxism (chronic teeth grinding) can wear down the crown of their restoration more quickly; however, a specially designed nightguard provides a layer of cushion to safeguard your smile.
Thankfully, taking these precautions helps preserve your implant, allowing you to enjoy its many benefits for years to come.
Meet the Author
Dr. Hiren Patel has nearly 20 years of experience helping people build and maintain their happiest, healthiest smiles. He initially graduated from the Government Dental College & Hospital in Ahmedabad in his native India, then moved to the U.S. and earned a dental degree from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. Today, he offers a comprehensive array of services to patients of all ages, including dental implants. He has the advanced training and state-of-the-art equipment to perform each step of the process in the office, including your surgery and placing your restoration, for a streamlined experience. You can request an appointment on the website or call (210) 590-2736.