Dental implants are a compelling choice for a number of reasons—matching our natural teeth in beauty and function, a securely attached option without the need to be removed on a daily basis, and the ability to last a lifetime. That’s right, a lifetime. With proper care and attention, dental implants can last for decades upon decades, acting as a permanent solution for missing, broken, or damaged teeth. Having said that, there are still numerous measures that should be taken to ensure the health and function of your new artificial teeth. Just like taking the time to properly care for our natural teeth, implants require attention and helpful habits to guarantee a long life. Here are our five tips to extend the life of your dental implants and make sure they stay protected.
5 Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Dental Implants
Be Mindful of the Healing Process — The first of our five tips is something to consider from the very beginning. The dental implant procedure occurs over the course of four to six months depending on the needs of the patient and the time it takes for healing to effectively take place Dental Implant Timeline. During this time, it’s extremely important to keep the area clean and adhere to the guidance and direction of your dentist. Avoiding interactions with the affected area as much as possible can speed up the healing process and potentially facilitate the greater success of the implant. Prioritize your dentist-advised post-surgery care and make sure you’re gently practicing excellent oral hygiene.
Practice Proper Oral Hygiene Always — The next of our five tips are tried and true. Dental implants are similar to our natural teeth in numerous ways, including being susceptible to some of the same dangers. Proper at-home oral care will make a huge difference in the health and longevity of your implants. Just like it is recommended for our natural teeth, daily flossing and twice-a-day brushing will ensure that your crown and implant stay free of plaque-causing bacteria that could lead to gum disease and damage. Along with consistent, dedicated brushing and flossing, additional maintenance tips will be provided by your dentist to help you optimize the health of your implant and the surrounding teeth and gums.
Schedule Routine Visits with Your Dentist — Along with placing an emphasis on excellent oral health practices, routine visits with your dental team are essential. The general rule of thumb is a dental check-up and professional cleaning every six months. During this time, your dentist will have the opportunity to check the implant and the surrounding areas. Maintaining this healthy, preventative habit ensures the long life and durability of the titanium screws and crowns and lessens the risk of gum disease that could compromise the life of your implant. For patients at higher risk for periodontitis, more frequent visits with your dentist may be recommended.
Avoid Damaging Foods — Tip number four for maintaining the integrity of your dental implants has to do with steering clear of certain foods and damaging habits. Avoid chewing on items that could potentially break or disturb your artificial tooth, including ice, hard candy, or hard items. Avoiding tobacco, caffeine, and other tooth-staining items is also recommended in order to guarantee the prolonged beauty of your crown and natural teeth.
Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices — Extending the life of your implants goes hand in hand with a healthy lifestyle. Tip number five is to make positive choices that will enhance your overall health while minimizing the risk of damage to your teeth and gums. If you habitually grind your teeth or clench your jaw, consider seeking treatment in order to ensure you do not damage the newly placed crown. Another habit that puts your implants and general health at risk is smoking. Because your body works together as a complete whole, your oral health and the life of your implants will be affected by your lifestyle choices. Choose healthy habits that will contribute to greater well-being in order to simultaneously enhance your oral health and prolong the life of your newly implanted pearly whites.
Dental Implants at Champions Dental in Houston, Cypress, and Spring, Texas
Dental implants are being turned to more and more for their ability to aid in smile restoration. If you suffer from missing teeth or smile imperfections, dental implants can enhance both beauty and function, while correcting gaps caused by decayed or damaged teeth. At Champions Dental, we commit ourselves to provide premier dental services aimed at optimizing the health and appearance of your smile. With more than 15 years of experience and hundreds of successful implant procedures, we work hard to impact our community with a compassionate approach to dentistry.
Visit our team at Champions Dental today or call to schedule a consultation to get started on your journey to dental implants!