Dental implant failure is very rare, but it’s nevertheless a possibility that you need to be prepared for. The care that you give your dental implant posts on a daily basis will ultimately go a long way toward determining how long you can expect them to last. If you want to keep the chances of your dental implants failing to a minimum, you should make a point of following these 4 helpful tips.
1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene
If you don’t keep your mouth as clean as possible, plaque and tartar could start to build up around your dental implant posts. This can lead to gum disease, which can eventually damage the gums and underlying bone tissue to the point where they can’t support the implant posts anymore.
To keep gum disease at bay, you should make a point of brushing and flossing around your dental implants regularly. Be sure to brush at least two times a day for two minutes at a time. You may want to think about switching to an electric toothbrush that can remove plaque more effectively than a manual toothbrush.
2. Stay Away From Tobacco Products
Using cigarettes and any other kind of tobacco product can significantly increase your risk for gum disease, thus putting your dental implants at risk. Additionally, tobacco can hinder the body’s healing processes and make it more difficult for dental implants to fuse with the jawbone. In short, it’s best to stay away from tobacco altogether if you want your dental implants to last.
3. Protect Your Dental Implants From Bruxism
Bruxism is a condition that causes you to unconsciously grind and clench your teeth, often while you’re asleep. This can put a lot of strain on your dental implants, potentially fracturing them or making them come loose.
Luckily, you can take steps to protect your dental implants from the effects of bruxism. If you wear a nightguard when you go to bed, it will act as a barrier between your upper and lower arches of teeth, thus reducing the impact that bruxism has on your implant posts and the rest of your smile.
4. Visit Your Dentist Every Six Months
Sometimes problems with your dental implants don’t become obvious until they’ve resulted in major damage. If you visit your dentist every six months for a checkup, they can take a look at your implant posts to make sure everything is fine. They can also remove plaque and tartar that you might have overlooked while brushing and flossing on your own. By identifying and addressing potential issues early on, your dentist can help ensure that your dental implants remain successful in the long run.
About the Author
Dr. Mohammad Golparvar studied dentistry at the Boston University School of Dental Medicine. He attended a post-graduate program at the same school, during which he specialized in dental implants. His current practice, Webster Dental Associates of Manchester, offers start-to-finish dental implant treatments as well as salvage options for failed dental implants. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Golparvar, visit his website or call (603) 669-4252.