Dental implants are touted as the pinnacle of tooth restoration because they offer unique advantages over other treatment options. That doesn’t mean they’re perfect, though! While it’s true that this method does have an incredibly high success rate, there are certain factors that could lead to their failure. Keep reading to learn 4 lifestyle changes you can make to help make sure your dental implants last!
Change #1: Build A Dental Hygiene Routine
If you’re considering dental implants but don’t have a daily dental care routine, now’s the time to put one in place. Even in its early stages, gum disease can prevent you from being a candidate for dental implants. It can affect the surgical site, so you’ll need to ensure yours are clean and healthy. Not only that but more advanced disease results in receding gums that can leave your new restoration unsupported. Brushing and flossing twice daily will keep your teeth and gums strong and germ-free.
Change #2: Drop Unhealthy Habits
Your dental implants are much more likely to fail if you smoke cigarettes so you might want to reconsider before buying that next pack. Smoking increases your risk of gum disease which could lead to an infection. This would undoubtedly add to your recovery time and give unhealthy bacteria even more opportunities to flourish.
Keep in mind, too, that this applies beyond your immediate recovery period. Smoking down the road even after you’re fully healed can still lead to implant failure. It restricts blood flow to the tissues in your mouth that support the implant, as well as cause dry mouth.
Change #3: Eat A Varied Diet
A well-rounded diet ensures your body gets the nutrients it needs. By eating foods that contain different vitamins and minerals, you’ll help maintain your immune system which fights off unwanted germs. If your body can’t resist illness, you could get an infection that causes your dental implant to fail.
Also, try to include foods with adequate calcium and fluoride which are important for building bone density and keeping connective tissues strong.
Change #4: Exercise More
Living a healthy lifestyle decreases your risk of chronic issues that could hinder your healing after having dental implants placed. With proper diet and exercise, you’re less likely to develop diabetes or hypertension, which can complicate dental surgeries. These conditions are particularly problematic because they impact anesthesia and can increase bleeding.
Change #5: Keep Your Dental Appointments
It’s important to have a regular dental checkup every 6 months so that your dentist can assess the condition of your remaining natural teeth as well as your restorative work. They have the experience and skills to catch any areas of concern early. Then, they’ll be able to treat any problems before they can have a negative impact on your dental implants.
Making these simple alterations to your lifestyle can enhance both your oral and overall health so that your dental implants can last for years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Evan Pedersen attended the University of Central Florida and received his undergraduate degree in Molecular and Microbiology. He then attended the prestigious Harvard School of Dental Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts where he obtained his dental degree. Our dedicated dental team takes pride in providing treatments that are equally as functional as they are beautiful. If you’re considering dental implants and would like a consultation, you’re welcome to contact us on the website or by calling (512) 777-0866.