A dental implant offers a fantastic permanent and sturdy solution for a missing tooth. However, the success of the treatment largely relies on your ability to properly care for and maintain it. To ensure your dental implant stands the test of time, it’s important to steer clear of some bad habits.
If you’re curious about the definite “don’ts” when it comes to caring for dental implants, continue reading.
1. Neglecting Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is the foundation of a successful dental implant treatment. It takes healthy bone mass and excellent oral health to place dental implants, but it doesn’t stop there. Once an implant is fused into the jawbone, it can fail just like a normal tooth if gum disease weakens the bone and gum tissues around it.
2. Using Your Teeth as Tools
Millions of years ago, the first humans had strong jaws that were used to chew tougher food and fight competition. However, today it’s not a good idea to use your teeth to clamp down on packages or bottle caps. If you have dental implants, this could damage the crown at best and cause the implant to fail at worst.
3. Using Tobacco Products
Tobacco products have long been known to contain chemicals detrimental to oral health. Whether chewed or smoked, tobacco releases these compounds into your oral tissues causing discoloration, gum disease, and tooth decay. It’s recommended that you cut back and then quit using these products entirely once you have a dental implant.
4. Grinding Your Teeth
Bruxism, the habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, can put a lot of pressure on dental implants and natural teeth alike. If this is an issue for you, it might be a good idea to invest in a nightguard or occlusal splint to protect your implants while you sleep. These devices can prevent damage caused by grinding and ensure the longevity of your dental implants.
5. Indulging in Sugar
Sugar is well-known to contribute to the buildup of bacterial plaque and the formation of cavities. While dental implants can’t get cavities, the same bacteria that causes tooth decay is also responsible for gum disease. You don’t have to cut out all the sugar in your diet but try to eat less. Additionally, when you do indulge in sugary treats, brush your teeth to remove excess plaque to preserve your dental implants.
By steering clear of these bad habits and maintaining a consistent oral care routine, you can vastly increase the likelihood of success in your dental implant treatment. Be sure to obey warning signs if something begins to go wrong. Pain, swelling, and inflammation are all signs that you should see your dentist to help put you back on track. Taking care of yourself means that your dental implants will stay strong for years to come.
About the Practice
When you need a dental implant placed, you want a dentist with experience. Dr. Mayank Patel and Dr. Ka Biu Ip are well-practiced in performing dental implant surgery, offering safe, efficient, and long-lasting treatments. They utilize the latest dental technology and techniques to ensure every patient leaves their appointment with a smile. Call (905) 821-0011 to schedule a dental implant consultation at Meadowvale Family Dentistry, or visit the website to delve into other services they provide.