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You’ve just replaced your missing teeth with a dental implant restoration, and – first of all – congratulations! It feels great to have a full, complete smile again. Now you need to make sure that your new teeth last as long as possible. After all, you spent plenty of time and money on your restoration, and you wouldn’t want to deal with frequent repairs or replacements. By turning these habits into a lifestyle, you can take good care of your implants and enjoy them for years to come.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly for Checkups & Cleanings
Studies show that scheduling a checkup and cleaning appointment every six months dramatically reduces your risk of cavities and gum disease. Conditions like these can compromise the stability of your implants or even lead to them falling out completely, so it’s best to avoid them! Plus, your dentist will be able to check on your implants and overall oral health during these visits, enabling you to address any potential issues early.
Brush & Floss Everyday
You know what else reduces your risk of harmful oral conditions? That’s right – cleaning your teeth! Regular brushing and flossing mitigates bacteria growth in your mouth, making it much harder for cavities, gum disease, and infections to develop. Brush your teeth twice per day, and floss between your pearly whites at least once daily. If you have trouble reaching the space underneath your restoration, get a sulcus brush so food particles don’t become trapped there.
Avoid Tobacco Products
Smoke, vape, chew, and other types of tobacco products seriously damage your gums and soft oral tissue. This can not only weaken the structures that help keep your dental implants (and natural teeth) in place, but also increases your risk of infection. It’s not easy to quit, but the less you consume tobacco products, the better off your smile will be.
Protect Your New Smile
Do you play rough sports? Then consider asking your dentist for a customized mouthguard. A hard impact can dislodge implants just like it can knock out natural teeth. Similarly, if you grind or clench your teeth at night, your dentist can provide you with a special nightguard that will protect them from damage. Bruxism (the clinical name for teeth grinding and clenching) might not break your implants immediately, but the continual pressure will definitely wear them down faster.
A few simple changes can go a long way towards preserving your new smile! Remember to incorporate these lifestyle tips into your routine, and your dental implants will withstand the test of time.
About the Author
As a lifelong learner, Dr. Noah Rosen has completed Live Implant Training with Dr. Arun Garg, a well-known and respected oral surgeon and educator. Thanks to this experience, Dr. Rosen can complete the entire dental implant process in-house, and is well-qualified to restore your smile with the most advanced tooth replacement option to date. To contact his office and schedule an appointment, call 773-248-6140.