If you have been looking for a durable, natural-looking replacement for missing teeth, you may have stumbled upon dental implants during your research—and for good reason. Implants transform how you look and feel, but how you care for those implants can dramatically affect their longevity.
How Important Is Daily Oral Hygiene for Dental Implants?
Your oral hygiene plays a crucial role in the long-term health of your dental implants. Just like with natural teeth, dental implants require regular cleaning to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease. Brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste, and floss around the implant to remove food particles and accumulating plaque.
Many patients’ implants fail because of gum disease, so keep your gums healthy through regular dental check-ups and cleanings.
What Role Does Diet Play in Implant Longevity?
After your implant surgery, your surgeon will likely recommend a diet that supports your recovery: Avoid hard or sticky foods, which can damage the implant or surrounding teeth, and incorporate food rich in vitamins and minerals to promote strong bone health.
What Does Professional Maintenance of Dental Implants Involve?
Make sure to visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings. During these visits, your dentist will examine your implants, test your bite, and gauge your overall oral health. They will also give you a cleaning to remove plaque and tartar that daily brushing might miss, which will help prevent infections or complications.
How Can You Protect Your Implants from Damage?
If you engage in activities that might compromise the integrity of your implants, such as participating in contact sports or grinding your teeth at night, consider using a mouthguard to shield your implants from excessive pressure or impact. Modern dental implants can withstand a lot of pressure, but they are not built for excessive wear and tear. If you feel any discomfort or shifting in the implant, talk to your oral surgeon right away.
How Does Smoking Affect the Lifespan of Dental Implants?
Smoking reduces blood flow to your gums and impairs the healing process after implant surgery by reducing blood flow to the gums. It also increases the risk of peri-implantitis, a serious infection that can cause bone loss around the implant and lead to failure.
If you smoke, make sure to discuss your habits with your oral surgeon, and strongly consider taking steps to reduce or quit smoking altogether.
Find Implant Success With the South Jersey Oral Surgeons at Lanzi Burke Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons
If you need the appearance and confidence boost that comes with dental implants, our South Jersey oral surgeons at Lanzi Burke Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons are here to assist you with a smile! Call 856-582-4222 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. Located in Washington Township, Haddonfield, and Woolwich Township, New Jersey, we serve patients in South Jersey.