Achieving lasting success with dental implants involves more than just the initial procedure. It requires mindful care and avoiding habits that can pose risks to your prosthetics. Some habits are obvious and others might be things you’ve never thought about. If you want to delve into essential practices for dental implant care and learn which habits should be avoided, continue reading.
1. Skipping Oral Hygiene Sessions
Skipping your regular oral hygiene routine can lead to complications with dental implants. Brushing, flossing, and using an antiseptic mouthwash remain crucial for preventing infections and maintaining overall oral health.
2. Using Tobacco Products
Smoking or using other tobacco products can hinder the healing process after implant surgery and increase the risk of implant failure. Quitting tobacco is beneficial not only for your overall health but also for the success of your dental implants.
3. Limiting the Alcohol You Drink
Heavy alcohol consumption can cause complications during the healing phase by causing dry mouth and irritation. Long-term overindulgence may affect the overall success of your dental implants as well. Moderation is the key to supporting good oral health!
4. Chewing Hard Food or Objects
Avoid habits like biting on ice, pens, or other hard objects. Excessive force on dental implants can lead to fractures or damage. Stick to regular foods and be mindful not to use your teeth as tools for opening bottles or packages.
5. Grinding Your Teeth
Bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching) can cause excessive pressure on dental implants, leading to complications like cracking or pain around the implant. If you have a grinding habit, talk to your dentist about using a nightguard to protect your implants while you sleep.
6. Ignoring Health Conditions
Certain health conditions, such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the success of dental implants. It’s important to manage underlying health issues and inform your dentist about any medical conditions before and after your treatment.
By breaking free from harmful habits and practicing proper dental implant care, you help ensure the success of your implants. A combination of good oral hygiene, a healthy lifestyle, and regular professional checkups will help you keep your smile looking great for years to come.
About the Author
Dr. Sujal Patel is a skilled and knowledgeable dentist with a passion for people. He enjoys getting to know his patients and learning all about them as he guides their treatment. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from New York University and has continued to stay abreast of advances in dental technology and training through professional organizations. Call (972) 629-9339 to schedule a dental implant consultation at Coco Dental, or visit the website to learn more about other services.