You’ve invested your time and money into a dental implant treatment, so you’d probably like for them to last as long as possible! Fortunately, part of what makes them “the gold standard of tooth replacements” is their 95% success rate. Even after 10 years from placement, a stunning majority of dental implants continue to be a seamless part of patients’ smiles.
That said, they’re not indestructible. To avoid dental implant failure, make sure you’re doing these three habits.
1. Brush, Floss, and Visit Your Dentist!
One surefire way to lose your implants is through uncontrolled gum disease. At first, you might only notice red, puffy gum tissue, but over time the bacteria can spread all the way to your jawbone. If they erode too much gum tissue or bone matter, your dental implants won’t have anything to hold onto and will come loose or fall out entirely.
The absolute best preventative care measures you can take is to stay on top of your oral hygiene. That means brushing your teeth twice per day, flossing at least once daily, and visiting your dentist for biannual checkups and cleanings.
2. Quit Smoking (And Vaping)
Of the 5% of implants that don’t make it to that 10-year mark, the most common cause of failure is tobacco-related complications. The chemicals in cigarette smoke, vape, and other such products slow the healing process, impair circulation, and make your mouth more vulnerable to infection. Combined, these effects make it very difficult to repair damaged tissue and salvage dental implants.
Quitting isn’t always easy, but it’s well worth it to have a lifelong smile. Rely on your support system or local resources if you need help and know that your dentist also has your back!
3. Protect Your Smile from Damage
Dental implants are made from incredibly durable materials, but hard or frequent impacts can lead to premature wear and failure. If you play sports – especially contact-sports – wear a custom mouthguard to protect your pearly whites. If you tend to grind or clench your teeth at night, a specialized nightguard can give your teeth some extra cushion. As you might have guessed, your dentist can help you with both!
To truly get the most out of your dental implants – and your new smile – you might have to make some lifestyle changes. Rest assured, these adjustments will help your tooth replacements go the distance so you can enjoy them for years to come!
About the Practice
Dr. Brett Morgan and Dr. Tim Adamchuk are happy and honored to serve Gorham and the surrounding areas with quality dentistry and compassionate care. Their expertise allows them to complete the entire dental implant process in-house. If you’re interested in this one-of-a-kind treatment, Dr. Morgan and Dr. Adamchuk would gladly meet with you for a consultation and provide personalized advice for taking good care of your new smile. To contact their office, call 207-839-2655.