If you’ve taken the time to replace your missing teeth with dental implants, then you likely want to do everything you can to make sure they last as long as possible. Fortunately, implants on average have a 98% success rate after 10 years, and a few simple habits will help your new smile look and feel great for decades to come.
1. A Great Reason to Quit
You’ve probably heard that tobacco products are bad for your oral health your entire life, whether it’s referring to smoking, chewing, or dipping. While using tobacco doesn’t block someone from getting implants, it’s best for a person to quit entirely. Right after implants are placed, using tobacco can slow down and interfere with the healing process, preventing the new teeth from fusing with the bone to become strong and stable. And over the long term, it can lead to infection in the area that weakens the oral tissues keeping the implant in place, causing it to become loose, sore, and ultimately fail.
2. Hygiene Still Matters
Even though dental implants themselves can’t develop cavities, it’s still vital for a patient to brush and floss their new teeth. Without daily cleaning, bacteria can build up on the gum and bone around implants and develop an infection that weakens them. This can ultimately cause the implant to be unstable and need to be replaced!
3. Keep them Safe While You Sleep
Millions of people unconsciously grind and clench their teeth while they sleep—another name for this is bruxism. On top of wearing down the teeth and causing a sore jaw or headache in the morning, it can place a tremendous amount of pressure on dental implants. The restoration on top can prematurely wear down or even break, and the post itself can be gradually shifted out of position as well. Thankfully, simply wearing a custom nightguard to bed can keep them protected and make sure you see a full smile every morning for years to come.
Dental implants are extremely reliable, but they aren’t invincible. These simple habits will take what is an already small chance of failure and make it so tiny that it practically doesn’t exist, giving you peace of mind that your new smile will always be there for you.
About the Author
Dr. Brenda Berkal has practiced dentistry for more than 45 years. A 1977 graduate of Tufts University, she has continued her education with volunteer stints in the military and coursework at the Dawson Academy and world-renowned Pankey Institute. Dr. Berkal is also a member of the American Dental Association and the American Society of Implant & Reconstructive Dentistry.
Ready to replace your missing teeth for life? Concerned about dental implants you’ve already gotten? Whatever your situation might be, we can help. Schedule your appointment today online or call our Derry office at (603) 434-4090.