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If you choose to replace your missing teeth with dental implants, it’s important to be aware of the possibility that they might fail. Fortunately, this is a rare problem due to the fact that dental implants boast a 95% success rate. On top of that, you can further minimize the chances of failure occurring simply by taking the right precautions. Below are 4 tips that can help you protect your dental implants.
1. Take Exceptionally Good Care of Your Smile
Poor oral hygiene can lead to plaque and bacteria building up on the gum tissue around your implant posts. This can lead to an infection that damages the gums and the underlying jawbone, which can ultimately result in dental implant failure.
The best way to avoid an infection around your dental implant posts is to maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine. Make a point of always brushing and flossing at least two times a day, and give your dental implants just as much attention as your natural teeth. It may help to upgrade from a manual toothbrush to an electric one that’s more effective at removing plaque.
2. Avoid Tobacco Products
Tobacco can significantly increase your risk for gum disease, and it can slow down the healing process in the mouth. Both of these issues can easily put your dental implants at a higher risk for failure. It’s therefore recommended that people with dental implants stay away from cigarettes as well as any other kind of tobacco product.
3. Take Steps to Treat Bruxism
If you often wake up with a headache or jaw pain, you may have bruxism – a condition where you grind and clench your teeth at night. Over time, bruxism can cause serious problems for your dental implants by putting too much strain on them.
The good news is that you can keep bruxism under control by wearing a nightguard. By placing this appliance over your teeth while you sleep, you can keep your dental implants and the rest of your smile safe from grinding-related harm.
4. See Your Dentist Once Every Six Months
You may assume that there’s no need to see your dentist if your dental implants and teeth appear to be in good shape. However, problems can sometimes start to develop in your mouth without you even realizing it. Having such issues identified and treated now could ultimately help you avoid more serious complications – such as dental implant failure – later.
Ideally, you should make room in your schedule to visit your dentist at least twice a year, which comes out to once every six months. During your appointment, be sure to voice any concerns you might have about your dental implants, and feel free to ask if your dentist has any advice for improving the care that you give your recompleted smile.
About the Author
Dr. Ashraf Seif has more than 20 years of dental experience. He is a graduate of the Loma Linda School of Dentistry, and he has received dental implant training from the prestigious Pikos Institute. For the convenience of his patients, he offers start-to-finish dental implant procedures. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Seif at Baytown Gentle Dental, visit his website or call (281) 837-9122.