you’re scheduled to get one or more dental implants, you may think that because they’re not “real” teeth, they don’t need the same care and consideration as your natural set did. But the truth is that while they are in fact considered permanent restorations, they can still fail if you’re not careful. Here are a five important lifestyle changes you should consider making to ensure that your dental implants last as long as possible.
Quit Smoking
If you’re a smoker, you’re probably used to people telling you that you should quit, and sure, without your natural teeth the risk of smoking to them is void. But not only can smoking still harm your overall health, including increasing your risk for heart disease and oral cancer, it can also thin your blood and increase your risk of dental implant failure. Thus, if you do smoke, you should consider quitting, at least for the duration of your dental implant healing process (but hopefully forever!).
Brushing Up
While your new dental implant crowns can’t get cavities like real teeth can, that’s not a free pass to neglect your oral hygiene. After all, if poor brushing habits were at all involved in your initial tooth loss, you may already know the dangers of gum disease, which can also cause implant failure and could even result in a bone graft. Therefore, be sure to brush your teeth (whether they be real or fake) twice a day and floss at least once a day to ensure that your implants stay secure, crowns are clean, gums remain healthy, and breath is fresh.
Dietary Decisions
Your diet plays another important role in the success of your dental implants. To help ensure that your bones adjust well to them, eat a calcium-rich diet. To protect them from damage, avoid eating foods that are excessively sticky or crunchy, like taffy, caramels, gummies, or even hard candy or ice cubes. During your recovery period, be sure to stick with approved foods that are softer in nature to not chew anything tough before you’re ready.
Furthermore, if you drink alcohol, be sure to avoid it during your recovery process, as this can also interfere with the healing process.
Get Some Sleep
Sleep not only helps your body regenerate, but it also helps the dental implant healing process. Lack of sleep can cause depression and stress, which can take its toll on your immune system and make it harder for your body to recover from your procedure.
Follow Through with Follow-up
Finally, just because your new teeth aren’t real doesn’t mean you’re done with the dentist for good. Your dentist still needs to screen you for oral cancer and keep a close eye on the health of your gums, jaw, dental implants, and any remaining natural teeth. Plus, even though they can’t get cavities or infection like real teeth, your crowns can still get dirty, so your dental team will provide a deep cleaning when you’re there, just like they do with your natural teeth.
Remember, your dental implants are a second chance to have a beautiful smile, but they still need to be taken care of, and you may need to make some important lifestyle changes to help ensure that they last as long as possible.
About Dr. Murph
Dr. Tommy Murph is a skilled dentist who has completed over 600 hours of continuing dental education, including special training for Trinon Dental Implants. Dr. Murph is also the owner of Dental Development Seminars, which provides hands-on training for dentists in several countries around the world. He is also an active member in the American Dental Association and the South Carolina Dental Association.
Whether you already have dental implants, or you’re interested in replacing missing teeth with them, Dr. Murph and the team at American Dental Care can help. To schedule a dental implant appointment, please visit our website or call us today at 843-488-4357.