Dental implants are highly reliable, but they are by no means infallible. It’s entirely possible for them to fail due to various factors, such as untreated infections and physical trauma. Fortunately, you can often keep your risk for dental implant failure to a minimum as long as you take the right precautions. Below are 4 simple steps that can help you protect your implant posts so that you can continue enjoying their many unique benefits.
1. Visit Your Dentist for Regular Checkups and Cleanings
Visiting your regular dental practice twice a year for preventive care is essential for keeping your dental implants in great condition. By performing a thorough examination of your mouth, your dentist can identify any problems with your implant posts that may have started developing without you realizing it. Diagnosing such issues early on often makes them easier to treat, which can make a significant difference for your dental implants and the rest of your smile.
2. Practice Good Oral Hygiene
If harmful bacteria are allowed to build up around your implant posts, it could ultimately lead to gum disease, which is one of the most common causes of dental implant failure. As such, a good oral hygiene routine is indispensable for maintaining your implant posts. Be sure to brush and floss at least two times a day to keep the area around your dental implants as clean as possible. If you currently use a manual toothbrush, you may want to think about switching to an electric one that’s more effective at removing plaque.
3. Get a Nightguard
Do you grind and clench your teeth at night? This condition, known as bruxism, can increase your risk for dental implant failure by putting too much pressure on your implant posts. Fortunately, you can protect your dental implants along with the rest of your smile by wearing a nightguard. This appliance resembles a mouthguard that you might wear while playing sports, but it is specifically meant to be worn at night. It acts as a barrier between your two rows of teeth, thus helping to prevent bruxism-related damage.
4. Cut Harder Foods Into Smaller Pieces
If you try to bite down directly onto an apple, a piece of crusty bread, or other hard foods, it could potentially damage your implant posts. If you want to protect your replacement teeth, you should exercise caution around these types of foods. Try cutting them into bite-sized pieces that won’t put as much pressure on your implant posts while you’re chewing them.
Even if you do everything right, there’s still a chance that your dental implants could fail. As such, as soon as you notice anything wrong with your implant posts, you should give your dentist a call; they can help you get to the root of the problem and take whatever steps are necessary to resolve the issue and protect your smile.
About the Practice
At Caring Way Dentistry of Port Charlotte, our team strives to help our patients become the best versions of themselves through high-quality dental care. Dr. Bryan Villescas leads our team and has years of experience in treating and protecting smiles. If you ever suffer from dental implant failure, we’re here to help you find the solution you need to get your smile back on track. If you are interested in getting dental implants, you can schedule an appointment with our team by visiting our website or calling (941) 627-9900.