Dental implants are the most reliable method of treating lost teeth. They have over a 95% success rate and can last for 30 years or longer with the right aftercare. Although dental implant failure occurs in less than 5% of cases, simple mistakes can increase your risk. Here’s how to safeguard your investment from preventable complications.
Follow Your Dentist’s Aftercare Instructions
After your placement surgery, your dentist will give you specific instructions to ensure your jawbone fuses to the posts through a process called osseointegration. Besides keeping your mouth clean, your dentist will also give you dietary instructions, like consuming a liquid diet for 1-2 weeks. You must also eat soft foods for several weeks to avoid placing pressure on your implants. Eating hard or chewy foods before your jaw heals can cause osseointegration to fail.
Commit to Good Oral Hygiene
Peri-implantitis is a leading cause of dental implant failure, despite being preventable. It is like gum disease, which is caused by bacteria in plaque and tartar buildup. You can keep your gums healthy by brushing your teeth after every meal and flossing at least once a day. Finish your oral hygiene routine with an antimicrobial mouthwash.
Don’t Smoke or Drink Alcohol
Tobacco and alcohol aren’t just bad for your health. They can also affect your dental health negatively. Smoking and drinking alcohol in excess causes delayed healing and makes you more vulnerable to infections. It’s best to kick the habits for a healthier mouth and body.
Watch What You Eat
Dental implants will restore 70% of your biting force and they can’t get cavities. However, that doesn’t mean you should eat anything you want. Hard and chewy foods put pressure on your implants. They also cause unnecessary wear and tear. It is better to limit your consumption of crunchy or chewy foods. If you can’t resist a juicy steak, cut it into small pieces to make it easier to chew.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Even if you’ve lost all your natural teeth, you must still see a dentist every 6 months for a dental checkup. Your dentist will monitor your oral health to detect anything concerning while it is still small, like gum inflammation. They’ll provide the personalized preventive services you need to ensure your dental implants last for a lifetime.
Don’t Wait to Contact Your Dentist
If you develop any signs of dental implant failure, like pain, redness, or swelling near the implant, don’t ignore them. Contact your dentist right away for an appointment. They’ll stop the issue before it turns into a big problem.
Dental implants are a great investment because they provide exceptional benefits not possible using any other method. They can serve you for a lifetime with the right care.
About Dr. Matthew Arnold
Dr. Arnold earned his dental degree at Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine and continues his training annually to provide the most advanced solutions in dentistry, like dental implants. He is affiliated with the American Dental Association and many other professional organizations. Request an appointment through his website or call his office at (469) 780-7844.