Dental implants have empowered millions of people to replace their lost teeth with gorgeous and functional restorations that work just like the real thing, and receiving them requires no small investment of time, effort, and finances. With this in mind, it only makes sense that you would want to do everything possible to ensure that your new teeth work well and stay in great shape for as long as possible. Here’s how to keep your dental implants in excellent condition for many years.
Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
Dental implants boast an impressive success rate of over 95% even ten years after being placed, but they can still fail in some rare cases. The most common causes of implant failure include:
- Peri-implantitis: This refers to when the gum tissue and jawbone structure supporting an implant are compromised by infections, and it usually happens due to poor oral hygiene.
- Failed osseointegration: This happens when the titanium post of a dental implant fails to fuse properly with the patient’s jawbone. This can be due to the patient having insufficient bone mass in their jaw to begin with, the implant being placed improperly, or failure to adequately comply with postsurgical instructions.
How Can I Prevent Dental Implant Failure?
Luckily, dental implants only require the same oral health regimen as real teeth to stay healthy and strong. A few excellent ways to keep your implants in excellent shape include:
- Brushing, flossing, and using antibacterial mouthwash every day.
- Seeing your dentist twice annually for routine exams and cleanings.
- Limiting your intake of sugary, starchy, and acidic foods and beverages.
- Refraining from using your teeth to open packages or bottles.
- Abstaining from chewing on non-food items like toothpicks and writing utensils.
- Kicking bad habits like tobacco use or excessive alcohol consumption.
- Wearing a mouthguard when playing sports or riding a bike.
- Wearing a nightguard if you grind your teeth at night.
With excellent care and maintenance, your dental implants may be able to last for several decades or possibly a lifetime. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand the best ways to keep your restorations in gorgeous shape for many years.
About the Practice
Gale Ranch Family Dental offers the most excellent oral health services available in the San Ramon area. Led by a team of fourteen general dentists and specialists, the staff ensures that each patient receives courteous treatment and outstanding customer service in a warm and welcoming office environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implant services. To learn more about proper implant care, contact the practice online or dial (925) 648-8881.