If you’ve recently upgraded your grin by replacing missing teeth with durable, lifelike dental implants, you likely want to ensure your beautiful smile lasts a lifetime. But although they boast an impressive 95 percent success rate even ten years after placement, they’re not completely indestructible, and on occasion may still fail. Here are a few lifestyle changes you can enact right now to help improve your odds for dental implant success, so you can make the most of your investment, and your new prosthetics!
Maintain Your Oral Hygiene
While it may not be possible for your new dental implants to get cavities, they do not protect your gums from conditions like periodontal disease. In fact, one of the leading causes of dental implant failure is peri-implantitis, which is a form of gum disease. Thus, be sure to maintain a solid oral hygiene routine including brushing twice a day and flossing daily to protect your gums, any remaining teeth, and your dental implants.
Break Bad Habits
Do you have bad habits like tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, nail biting, teeth grinding, or using your teeth to open packages? All these activities can increase your risk of dental implant failure. Thus, to ensure your new smile lasts as long as possible, do your best to quit or reduce the occurrence of these behaviors. If you grind your teeth, talk to your dentist about having a custom mouthguard made to help reduce the impact of your bite on your dental implants.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating a diet rich in minerals like calcium and vitamins like vitamin D can help protect your gums and jawbones, giving your newly restored smile a boost in its odds for success!
Get Plenty of Exercise
Any weight bearing exercise designed to improve your bone health and density can also benefit your dental implants by helping to maintain your jawbone strength. If you’re new to working out, speak to a doctor or certified personal trainer and start out slowly, gradually adding time and activity to your routine.
Follow-Up With Your Dentist
Finally, even if you have no “real” teeth, it is important to continue seeing your dentist for your regular preventive exams and cleanings. These appointments are your opportunity to get your prosthetics cleaned, to check that they are comfortable and in good condition, and to screen for dangerous conditions like oral cancer.
Remember, your dental implants are a second chance to improve your oral and overall health, but you still need to do your part to give them the best odds for success. Thus, be sure to make any necessary lifestyle modifications so your gorgeous new grin will last a lifetime!
About Dr. Smiley
Dr. Jonathan Smiley earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Illinois and his dental degree at the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. He is a proud, active member of the American Dental Association, Iowa Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. To schedule a consultation for dental implants at Smiley Family Dentistry, visit our website or call us today at 319-352-2270.