Many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to replace missing teeth because of their many unique advantages. They’re the only type surgically inserted into your jawbone and can function as sturdy stand-alone structures. Their durability contributes to their incredibly high success rate of more than 95%, even up to 10 years after their initial placement.
However, dental implants are not invincible and can still fail despite their resilience. Continue reading to learn about three adjustments you can make to your daily habits to support your new teeth!
Change #1: Establish a Routine
Before getting dental implants, you must consult with your provider to ensure you’re a good candidate. Cavities and gum disease could infect the implant site, so it’s essential to start with a healthy mouth.
Although your dentist can treat tooth decay and periodontal problems, you can prevent them from occurring in the first place by cleaning your teeth more consistently at home. You should thoroughly brush and floss twice daily to clear away plaque and bacteria that could keep you from undergoing the procedure. Then, once your restoration is placed, maintaining your oral at-home hygiene habits is essential to its preservation.
Change #2: Quit Bad Habits
The number one leading cause behind failed implants is a form of gum disease called peri-implantitis. Indulging in habits like regular smoking or drinking can increase the likelihood of developing it and should be avoided.
For example, cigarettes, vapes, and chewing tobacco all contain nicotine, which is a vasoconstrictor. This toxic chemical reduces blood oxygen levels and flow, making it harder for your body to deliver essential nutrients. This can suppress your immune system so you cannot fight infection effectively.
You might think it’s safe to quit long enough for your mouth to heal, but unfortunately, smoking can still cause implants to fail a decade or more into their lifespan. One good way to preserve yours is to leave this unhealthy habit behind you.
Change #3: Increase Vitamin D
The titanium rod of your implant eventually fuses with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. As new bone growth is produced, it wraps around the pole until it’s fully encompassed. Vitamin D is necessary for this to occur because it helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorus from the foods you eat to build strong teeth and bones. If you’re deficient in this ingredient, your jaw may be incapable of generating enough healthy new tissue to support your implant, resulting in failure.
Fortunately, you can raise your vitamin D levels by spending more time outside in the sun because your skin produces it when it interacts with ultraviolet rays. It can also be found naturally in fatty fish and some leafy greens.
You can potentially help preserve your dental implants for 20+ years by making a few alterations to your everyday habits!
About the Practice
At Montague Dental, you benefit from a team of dentists who work together to provide a full array of services conveniently under one roof. They share 15+ years of combined experience helping people improve their lives by enhancing their dental health. Their practice combines a caring and compassionate approach with state-of-the-art equipment to implement comfortable, accurate treatments intended to last. If you’re considering dental implants, you can request a consultation on the website or call (973) 293-3404.