How To Make Your Dental Implants Last Longer

How To Make Your Dental Implants Last Longer from Woodland Park Dental in Layton, UTDental implants are long-lasting, permanent tooth replacements. They are a popular choice among patients for their durability and ability to look and feel like natural teeth. However, dental implants are an investment, and they should be cared for as such. Follow the tips below to help extend the life span of your implants and prevent implant failure.

5 tips for looking after dental implants

1. Practice good dental hygiene

Twice daily brushing, daily flossing, and regular dental checkups are integral to caring for dental implants. Although the implants themselves are not subject to tooth decay, the surrounding bone and gums may deteriorate. Therefore, neglecting one’s dental hygiene can lead to peri-implantitis (gum disease around the implants), infection, and other factors that cause dental implants to fail.

2. Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush

Do not brush dental implants with medium- or hard-bristled toothbrushes. Instead, opt for soft nylon toothbrushes to prevent scratching and wearing away the implant’s surface. It is also best to use toothpaste and mouthwash made for sensitive teeth. In addition, avoid abrasive oral health products like at-home dental picks.

3. Do not smoke or drink alcohol in excess

Tobacco and acidic alcohol can wear away dental implants. Smoking and drinking can also slow down the healing process after getting implants. A longer recovery period may increase one’s chance of improper healing and infection — two common causes of dental implant failure. Refrain from smoking and drinking for at least 72 hours after first getting implants; if possible, do not drink or smoke for the first six months.

Some types of alcohol are worse for dental implants than others. For instance, red wine easily stains implants. However, a glass of wine every now and then should be okay. Drinking in moderation is fine in most cases.

4. Watch what you eat

Watching what one eats after dental implant surgery allows for proper healing, which in turn sets the implants up for a long life. Only eat soft, liquid foods the day after getting implants. This may include yogurt, applesauce, pudding, soup, mashed potatoes, and similar foods. As the mouth heals, the patient may start eating soft food that requires some chewing, like pasta, rice, eggs, and steamed vegetables. Regular food, like meat, should be safe to eat after a couple of weeks.

Dietary changes remain important after the healing stage, however. Limit sugar and acid intake to prevent peri-implantitis. Drinking too much coffee and tea can also stain implants, shortening their life span.

Invest in nightguards

Patients who grind their teeth at night may benefit from sleeping with nightguards. Grinding the teeth with dental implants can wear them down quickly. If grinding is excessive, they may even chip away or crack.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Implants in Layton, UT

Learn more about caring for dental implants

Dental implants last for 10 to 15 years on average. They can, however, last for decades with proper care. For more information on how to make dental implants last as long as possible, contact our team.

Request an appointment or call Woodland Park Dental at 801-416-1603 for an appointment in our Layton office.

Related Posts

Discover The Lifelong Benefits Of A Dental Implant For Your Oral Health

A dental implant is the gold standard of dental restorations. It provides stability and natural-looking results. Understanding the benefits of implants can motivate you to see your general dentist about it. Here are the different oral health advantages of a dental implant.The titanium rod acts as the dental root. It merges with the jawbone and…

3 Signs You May Need A Dental Implant

You may not be aware that you need dental implants. But your dentist can tell you that you do, especially if you have regular checkups. Knowing if you need these restorations can motivate you to see your dentist about getting these dental replacements. Here are the three signs that you may need dental implants.Tooth loss…

3 Key Benefits Of Dental Implants

Those missing teeth and seeking a way to restore their smile should consider dental implants. Dentists and their patients are discovering the many benefits of this tooth-replacement over other options, such as dentures and bridges. If you are missing one or more teeth like so many adults, dental implants offer a way to restore your…