Did you know that dental implants are successful in more than 95% of cases? Indeed, they are designed to provide a durable and functional way to replace missing teeth. With proper care, they can last an entire lifetime! However, in rare instances, dental implant failure can occur. What can you do to prevent that from happening to you? This blog post provides some practical tips.
Stick to a Thorough Oral Hygiene Routine
Infection is the most common cause of dental implant failure; while many factors can contribute to its development, it often arises as a result of poor oral hygiene. To minimize the risk of infection and reduce the number of harmful bacteria in your mouth, take the following steps:
- Brush your teeth at least twice daily, paying special attention to the gumline.
- Floss or use a water flosser to clean around your teeth, including the area beneath your implant restorations.
- Use an antibacterial mouth rinse.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Even if all your natural teeth have been replaced, continue to visit your dentist biannually for cleanings and checkups. These appointments allow your dental team to diagnose early signs of potential issues with your dental implants. If they identify any causes for concern, they can recommend timely intervention to prevent further complications.
Manage Your Overall Health
Your oral health is closely linked to your overall wellbeing. Support your head-to-toe health through good habits, such as:
- Consuming a balanced diet that is full of nutrient-rich foods.
- Engaging in regular physical activity.
- Managing chronic health conditions like diabetes.
- Keeping your stress levels to a minimum.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking weakens the immune system and increases the risk of oral infections, dental implant failure, and a range of other health complications. If you are struggling to kick the habit, talk to a qualified medical professional who can help you design a quit plan.
Reduce Your Alcohol Consumption
Moderate alcohol consumption does not pose a large risk to dental implants, but frequent excessive drinking can negatively impact overall health and contribute to implant failure. Try to limit alcohol intake to special occasions.
Protect Your Implants from Damage
Teeth grinding and clenching can damage dental implants over time. Wearing a mouthguard at night may be necessary if you engage in this activity during sleep. When you play sprots, use a custom mouthguard designed to reduce the risk of oral injuries.
Do you want your prosthetic teeth to stand the test of time? Take steps to minimize the risk of dental implant failure!
Meet the Practice
At Four Town Dental Care in Enfield, our team of general dentists and specialists is proud to offer comprehensive dental implant services, including salvage for failing implants. If you have questions about this form of tooth replacement or how to support its long-term success, we would be happy to speak with you. Contact our office at 860-856-6928.