Although dental implant surgery presents a viable and long-lasting solution to provide you with a new tooth and smile, there are things you must do yourself to increase the chances that the procedure is successful in the long term. Some bad habits can cause your dental implant to fail, possibly requiring another surgery. Given the investment you are making in your mouth, it is in your best interest to adopt good oral habits to preserve your new tooth and ensure that it stays in your mouth for a long time. Here are some bad habits that you want to avoid after you have had dental implant surgery.
Chewing on Inedible Objects
Some people have a natural reflex to chew on things when anxious or under stress. They may habitually chew on inedible objects, such as pencils or pens. This habit can subject any of your teeth to additional stress, but especially a dental implant. The implant may come loose or fall out of your mouth if you chew on something, leading to the potential for another implant after you have already spent money on one procedure.
Poor Oral Health
Proper maintenance of the area around the implant and your entire mouth is essential. If you develop gum disease in the area of the implant, it can become loosened. Brushing and flossing are essential practices that can help preserve your oral health and the strength of the implant. You should brush your teeth twice daily and floss regularly to avoid any deterioration in your mouth.
Clenching and Grinding Your Teeth
Many people unwittingly clench and grind their teeth. It is particularly common for someone to do it in their sleep. Consider wearing a mouth guard when necessary to prevent clenching and grinding. This practice can wear away at the tooth that is connected to the implant. Not only can you potentially lose the implant, but you may weaken the other teeth in your mouth. Your surgeon may prescribe a mouth guard as part of the aftercare for your implant.
Using Your Teeth to Open Things
There may be things that are difficult to open with your hands. For example, many people like to use their teeth to open bags. This leads to grinding and twisting, which can damage your implants. You may also take a bad bite that can cause the implant to become dislodged. As tempting as it is to use your teeth to open something, make sure to use your hands or a pair of scissors. At the same time, you should also refrain from biting your fingernails because it can cause damage similar to the implants.
Tobacco Usage
Your dental implant needs time to fuse with the bone to build strength. The chemicals in nicotine can weaken the bone and prevent the implant from becoming properly lodged. The same thing goes if you are using smokeless tobacco. Any type of nicotine can be harmful to your oral health. In addition, smoking can lengthen the recovery time from your implant procedure.
Contact the South Jersey Oral Surgeons at Lanzi Burke Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons for Help With Implants
The South Jersey oral surgeons at Lanzi Burke Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons can help you achieve the new smile you want with a dental implant. You can schedule an appointment by calling us today at 856-582-4222 or contacting us online. Our offices are in Washington Township, Haddonfield, and Woolwich Township, New Jersey, and we serve patients throughout South Jersey.