If you’ve recently replaced missing teeth with the help of durable, lifelike dental implants, it makes sense to stop any dangerous behavior that could put your newly rebuilt smile at risk of failure. Here are a few dental dangers that you could already be doing, or that you should be careful not to start to ensure that your gorgeous grin lasts a lifetime!
Smoking & Tobacco Use
Smoking and using tobacco can restrict blood flow to the gums, making it harder to heal from dental implant surgery and increasing the risk of failure. Thus, it is important to quit these products several weeks before your surgery, and to remain tobacco free for as long as possible afterwards.
Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol not only dries out the mouth and can increase your risk of gum disease and peri-implantitis, but it can also affect the osseointegration process where your implant fuses with your jawbone. Thus, be sure to refrain from drinking alcohol for the first six months after surgery and only consume it in moderation after that.
Using Teeth as Tools
Your teeth (both real and prosthetic) were designed to chew food, not open stubborn packaging or bite your fingernails. They also really shouldn’t be used on anything too hard like ice cubes or hard candies. Thus, instead of using your natural teeth or implants for any of these activities, take the extra moment to go find the right tool for the job, such as a pair of scissors or nail clippers. The few seconds you might save by ripping a bag open with your teeth is not worth risking wasting the time and money you’ve put into repairing your gorgeous grin!
Neglecting Your Oral Hygiene
If you’ve ever lost a natural tooth due to poor oral hygiene, you likely already understand the importance of caring for your smile with dental implants. While your prosthetics cannot get cavities like real teeth can, they are not immune to the effects of gum disease, or to a condition called peri-implantitis which is one of the leading causes of dental implant failure. Thus, to ensure your new restorations last a lifetime, be sure to take excellent care of your teeth and gums by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist every six months for your regular preventive exams and cleanings.
Letting Your Guard Down
Finally, if you have bruxism (teeth grinding) or play sports, it is important that you still protect your dental implants from harm. Athletics increases your risk of oral injury, as does the pressure created by grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw. Therefore, if either of these apply to you, discuss your options for a custom mouth guard with your dentist.
Remember, with proper care and use, your newly rebuilt smile could last a lifetime, but only if you avoid bad habits like the ones mentioned above. To learn more about how to improve your odds for dental implant success, speak to your dentist today and build a stronger foundation for a healthy smile.
About Our Practice
At Bio Dental, we treat more than just smiles- we’re here to support the whole person. If you’re considering dental implants but aren’t sure how to make them last as long as possible, Dr. Castillo and Dr. Ikonomi have the skills and experience to protect your gorgeous grin for a lifetime. To schedule a consultation for dental implants, visit our website or call us today at 401-232-7777.