
If you’re looking for reliable replacement teeth, you might be a good candidate for dental implants. Many experts consider them the ideal way to rebuild your smile because of their unique placement in your jawbone. Unlike dentures and dental bridges, they contain a surgically placed support rod for added strength and stability.
Plus, dental implants have an incredibly high success rate of more than 90%, meaning they’re not likely to develop issues. Unfortunately, there’s still a small chance your new teeth could fail. Continue reading to learn 3 ways to keep them looking and feeling great!
Tip #1: Clean Your Mouth Consistently
Your prosthetics aren’t made of the same organic materials as your enamel, so you don’t have to worry that they’ll develop cavities. However, the leading cause of failure is a pervasive form of gum disease that erodes the tissues surrounding your implant, which can cause it to become destabilized or dislodged.
To prevent this, you should continue brushing and flossing twice daily to remove plaque and bacteria that contribute to common oral issues. You should also visit your dentist every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning, so they can monitor your restorations and address any areas of concern before they can progress.
Tip #2: Stop Smoking
Most providers recommend that you quit smoking at least two weeks prior to your implant procedure because this unhealthy habit can negatively affect your ability to recover. Cigarettes, vapes, and other tobacco products contain nicotine, which is a vasoconstrictor. It limits your blood oxygen levels and flow so your body can’t deliver essential nutrients to your teeth and gums to heal after surgery. Furthermore, it suppresses your immune system, which increases your vulnerability to infection and gum disease.
You might think it’s safe to resume smoking after your restorations have healed, but using tobacco products can cause failure even years after their successful placement. It’s best to leave this habit in the past if you want to preserve your new teeth.
Tip #3: Safeguard Your Smile
If you wake up in the morning with a stiff or sore jaw, you might be experiencing TMJ (temporomandibular joint) aches associated with bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding. People suffering from this disorder subconsciously clench their teeth together at night, which can wear down your enamel or implants prematurely.
Fortunately, your dentist can provide a custom-fitted nightguard to shield your grin from the added pressure of constantly clenching. This also gives your jaw joint enough of a reprieve to begin healing, alleviating your discomfort.
Your dentist will provide post-op instructions to help you heal after your surgery without developing complications. Following it closely is the best way to increase the likelihood of a successful implant integration!
About the Practice
Patients at Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery benefit from a team of experts eager to help them improve their lives by enhancing their dental condition. Our board-certified oral surgeons share decades of combined experience and collaborate to offer a variety of complex services to meet even the most unique needs. They combine a caring approach with state-of-the-art equipment to provide each step of the implant process, including guided surgery, in the office to streamline your experience. You can request an appointment on the website or call one of their convenient locations near you!