Many dentists consider dental implants the gold standard of tooth replacements because they provide so many unique advantages. They’re the only restorations surgically placed directly into your jawbone, so they tend to be much more durable and reliable than alternatives like dentures or dental bridges.
Although they’re known for their strength and resilience, there are some conditions that can lead to implant failure. Continue reading to learn about three habits to avoid to keep them in good health!
Bad Habit #1: Smoking
After your procedure, your mouth must form a blood clot over the implant site to keep unwanted bacteria at bay. However, the force of suction created when you take a pull from your cigarette or vape can dislodge it, which can hinder your healing process.
Furthermore, tobacco products contain nicotine, which is a vasoconstrictor. When blood flow and oxygen levels are reduced, the body is less able to deliver essential nutrients to the mouth for recovery. Unfortunately, your restoration is more likely to fail if your mouth doesn’t mend properly after your procedure.
Bad Habit #2: Chewing Hard Objects
If you’re an anxious nail-biter or pen-cap nibbler, now’s an ideal time to try to quit. Biting into anything that’s overly hard or using your teeth to open packages, boxes, or other containers can potentially crack, chip, or otherwise damage your implant. Furthermore, putting foreign objects into your mouth introduces new germs and bacteria that can flourish and cause an infection.
Avoid chomping down on any inanimate objects or overly hard foods to preserve your oral health and maintain your prosthetics. It’s worth it to take a few extra moments to find a pair of scissors, letter opener, knife, or other appropriate tool for the job.
Bad Habit #3: Skipping Cleanings
You’ll be numbed for the surgery itself, so you don’t feel any discomfort, but you’re likely to experience mild to moderate aches and inflammation as the meds wear off. If you’re overly tender, you might feel tempted to skip your usual daily dental hygiene routine. Regrettably, doing so can lead to serious problems.
Although you’ll probably want to stick to rinsing with salt water for the first 24 hours, after that, it’s imperative that you clean your mouth consistently. Brushing and flossing twice daily consistently removes bacteria and plaque buildup that can cause gum disease or tooth decay, which can eventually affect your jawbone and cause restoration failure if left unaddressed.
Thankfully, you can keep your dental implants intact for years by making a few easy adjustments to some of your daily habits!
About the Practice
At Palm Leaf Dental, you and your family benefit from two dentists who work together to offer a full array of services conveniently under one roof. Dr. Broe and Dr. Georges have 10+ years of combined experience providing everything from basic preventative care to more complex procedures like dental implants. They combine a knowledgeable, compassionate approach with state-of-the-art equipment to deliver accurate treatments tailored to your unique needs. Plus, they partner with the best local specialists for your oral surgery to deliver optimal results. If you’re considering dental implants, you can request a consultation on the website or call (904) 810-5702.