Dental implants are often life-changing for men and women living with missing teeth. As some of the most functional and long-lasting teeth replacements available, implants can reconstruct your smile years and decades into the future; however, this does not void the possibility of implant failure. Although this is very rare, good care is required to maximize the lifespan of your dental implants. Dr Libby and our skilled team offer many tips to help you care for your restorations:
Brush, Floss, and Rinse Your Teeth at Least Twice Daily
One of the biggest threats to implant survival is bacteria buildup in the mouth, which can turn into decay, plaque, tartar, and infections. Like your natural teeth, it’s important to keep your implants and gum tissue clean with consistent oral hygiene.
Get a Night Guard if You’re Prone to Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
Clenching and grinding your teeth at night is not uncommon, but can place unnecessary stress on your dental implants, as well as your natural teeth. Aside from the ramifications for your implants, bruxism can also wear down your enamel and lead to jaw joint dysfunction (TMJ disorder). We recommend wearing a custom night guard or mouthguard while asleep for patients who regularly grind their teeth.
Continue Attending Your Semi-Annual Dental Appointments
It’s important to keep up-to-date with routine appointments, and to avoid skipping dental cleanings as well as semi-annual oral exams. These visits provide valuable opportunities for our team to monitor your oral health for potential issues and to minimize bacteria buildup in the mouth that may be harming the longevity of your implants.
Don’t Smoke
Not smoking is essential to the long-term success of your dental implants. Even after you’re fully healed from implant surgery, smoking can weaken the health of your gums and jawbone. Periodontal infections, gum disease, and loss of bone support are among the primary causes of implant failure, which are all factors commonly associated with smoking. Ultimately, smoking increases the likelihood of implant failure and potential complications after your procedure.
Dr. Landon Libby and our friendly, knowledgeable team can help you make the most out of your treatment results and provide you with tips on preserving your new, fully functioning smile. Contact Libby Dental at our San Diego office for more information on implant dentistry, or to book a consultation with our dentist.
