Many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to replace missing teeth because of their unique placement in your jawbone. This gives them added strength and stability over alternatives like dentures or dental bridges.
The procedure also has an incredibly high success rate of more than 90%, but there’s still a slight chance your implants could fail. Continue reading to learn 3 ways you can help keep them in great shape for years to come!
Tip #1: Clean Them Consistently
Unlike dental bridges, which rely on dental crowns to remain in place, or dentures, which form a suction against your gums, your implants function as sturdy standalone structures. Not only does this restore a greater portion of your bite force, but it also makes them easier to clean.
Maintaining your new teeth is as easy as brushing and flossing twice daily, taking care not to press too deeply into the pocket of your implant and damage the seal. You should also visit your dentist every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning. This helps them monitor your condition so they can catch and treat any issues, like early gum disease, before they progress and contribute to failure.
Tip #2: Stop Smoking
Many smokers quit their habit long enough to undergo the implant procedure, but then want to resume as soon as possible once the titanium rod is placed. Unfortunately, you’ll likely need to wait a minimum of two to three months before having another vape or cigarette to give the tender tissues in your mouth a chance to heal.
Then, it’s technically possible to resume smoking, but most experts recommend against it. Tobacco products contain nicotine, which suppresses your immune system and reduces your blood flow and oxygen levels. This dramatically increases the likelihood of developing diseases or infections, such as peri-implantitis, which is the leading cause of failure. Quitting smoking permanently is an excellent way to preserve your restoration.
Tip #3: Safeguard Your Smile
Bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding, can also potentially harm your prosthetics. If you subconsciously clench your arches together at night, the added pressure can wear down your enamel or damage your implant. It can cause the titanium rod of your restoration to become loose in your jawbone, hindering the osseointegration process required for it to be successful.
Thankfully, your dentist can provide a custom-fitted nightguard to shield your teeth from the added force of constantly biting down.
Your dentist will likely provide additional post-op instructions for you to follow to maintain your prosthetics after your procedure!
About the Practice
Patients at CityLine Dental Center benefit from two dentists with over 40 years of combined experience. Dr. Stampe and Dr. Gater collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services to meet all your needs at one convenient location. Whether you need a routine checkup and cleaning or a more complex procedure, like dental implants, they are happy to help. They partner with the most skilled oral surgeons for accurate implant placement, then utilize state-of-the-art technology to design beautiful, resilient restorations to close the space in your smile. If you need to replace missing teeth, you can request an appointment on the website or call (972) 231-9499.