Many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to rebuild smile after tooth loss because of their unique placement in your jaw. Unlike alternatives, such as dentures or bridges, these restorations fuse with the bone and are therefore usually stronger and last longer.
But that doesn’t mean they’re invincible. You must take a few basic precautions to maintain your new teeth and avoid potential complications, such as peri-implantitis, the leading cause of failure. Continue reading to learn about 3 bad habits that could potentially hurt your implants so you can avoid them!
Habit #1: Neglecting Dental Hygiene
Your replacement teeth aren’t made from the same organic materials as the ones you were born with, so they don’t develop cavities themselves. However, your remaining teeth, jawbone, and gum tissues are still susceptible to damage, decay, and disease that could destabilize your implants or cause them to fail.
Thankfully, this can be prevented by implementing a twice-daily dental hygiene routine. Brushing and flossing both morning and night remove plaque and bacteria that contribute to common oral issues, but take care not to press floss so deeply into the pocket of your implant that you damage its protective seal.
Habit #2: Smoking or Using Tobacco
You’re not alone if you smoke cigarettes or use tobacco products on a daily basis. Sources estimate that anywhere between 30 and 35 million U.S. adults are habitual users, but unfortunately, this habit can harm your prosthetics in a few different ways.
This is because tobacco products contain nicotine, which in addition to being incredibly addictive, also functions as a vasoconstrictor in your system. It reduces your blood oxygen levels and flow while simultaneously suppressing your immune system, making it harder for your body to deliver essential nutrients and infection-fighting cells to your mouth after implant placement. According to various studies, that means that smokers may be up to 2 to 3 times more likely to experience failure.
Habit #3: Eating Sugary Foods
Your provider might recommend sticking to softer, blander foods, like pudding or ice cream, to avoid irritating your already-tender tissues during recovery. But keep in mind that these sweet treats often contain plenty of sugar, which feeds unhealthy bacteria in your mouth that cause tooth decay and periodontal disease.
You can help protect your grin by reducing your consumption of overly sugary foods or seeking out sugar-free alternatives, like blended fruit smoothies.
Your dentist will provide a complete list of aftercare instructions to help you heal effectively and avoid potential complications after your implant procedure. Following their directions carefully is the best way to protect your smile!
Meet the Author
Dr. Sai N. Kham is passionate about taking the time to get to know his patients’ unique needs so he can provide customized treatment plans to improve their dental health. He graduated with his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and today, he has more than 20 years of experience and remains committed to continuing education to offer the most up-to-date services, including dental implant placement and restoration, using state-of-the-art technology. You can request an appointment on the website or call (202) 677-0456.