Dental implants are a highly reliable tooth replacement option. They can last for decades (or even a lifetime) with the right maintenance, and it’s very rare for them to fail. Of course, there’s a difference between “unlikely” and “impossible.” If you want to minimize the odds of dental implant failure, then you need to take the right precautions. Below are 4 tips for avoiding problems with your dental implants.
1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene
The leading cause of dental implant failure is an infection known as peri-implantitis, which can occur when bacteria are allowed to accumulate around your dental implant posts. The best way to protect your smile from peri-implantitis is to follow all the right steps for oral hygiene.
You should make a point of brushing your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day. Exercise great care when cleaning around the dental implant posts, and be careful not to overlook the gumline. In addition to brushing, you also need to floss regularly to remove bacteria and food particles from particularly tight areas.
2. Maintain a Balanced Diet
In order to make sure that the tissues keeping your dental implants anchored in place remain in good shape, you should pay close attention to what you eat. Try to stay away from sugary foods, especially sticky candies that can easily cause problems for your dental implants. At the same time, it’s recommended that you eat more foods that promote gum health, like leafy greens and citrus fruits.
3. Keep an Eye Out for Warning Signs of Dental Implant Failure
If something does go wrong with your dental implants, you will naturally want to have the problem taken care of as soon as possible. As such, it’s best to keep an eye out for troublesome symptoms so that you can act immediately if something appears to be wrong. If a dental implant feels loose, is causing severe pain, or is accompanied by inflamed gums, then there’s a good chance it may have failed.
4. Visit Your Dentist at Least Twice a Year
You probably don’t need to be told why scheduling biannual trips to the dentist is essential for protecting your natural teeth. However, these preventive appointments can also go a long way toward keeping your dental implants safe. Your dentist will be able to examine the implant posts and the tissues around them for issues. They can let you know if any problems are present so that they can be dealt with before major damage is done.
As rare as dental implant failure is, it is a possibility that should be taken seriously. Follow the tips above carefully if you want to be able to keep your dental implants for as long as possible.
About the Author
Dr. Ron Sherman has more than 30 years of dental experience. After earning his dental degree at the University of Pittsburgh, he has made a point of continuing his education in order to expand his skills even further. He can help his patients replace their missing teeth in a way that looks and feels natural thanks to dental implants. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Sherman at First Impressions in Issaquah, visit his website or call (425) 391-4964.