How To Make Your Dental Implants Last Longer

How To Make Your Dental Implants Last Longer from Stratus Dental Studio in Carol Stream, ILDental 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 Carol Stream, IL

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 Stratus Dental Studio at 630-517-4304 for an appointment in our Carol Stream office.

Related Posts

How A Dental Implant Replaces A Missing Tooth

Replacing missing teeth with dental implants can result in a stable and strong bite. It restores the crown and the root. Knowing how this dental replacement system replaces a missing tooth can convince you to set an appointment with your dentist about it. Here are the details about how dental implants can make this happen.Tooth…

When To Get Dental Implants

Dental implants are effective, long-lasting artificial teeth. Implants are surgically attached to the jawbone to look and function like natural teeth. As a result, patients can chew, talk, and laugh without worrying about dentures slipping. They also improve oral health. This article explores when and why to get implants and the qualifying factors for treatment.Patients…

How Dental Implants Support Oral Health

Dental implants are a leading choice for many patients when it comes to tooth replacement. Patients like the idea of a tooth replacement option resembling natural teeth. Dental implants look natural and perform like a permanent natural tooth. Therefore, there is no need to take the tooth replacement out daily for cleaning or worry about…

Related Posts

The Importance Of Regular Checkups With A Family Dentist

The Importance Of Regular Checkups With A Family Dentist

Your entire household can have their teeth checked out at the same time if you visit a family dentist. These are dentists who are trained to provide services to patients of all ages. Getting routine dental checkups is an essential part of good oral hygiene. Most dental issues can be avoided by practicing good oral…

Your First Appointment With A General Dentist

Your First Appointment With A General Dentist

Visiting the dentist can be stressful, especially if you have never been or it has been many years since your last appointment. However, with the help of a general dentist, your first appointment and every appointment after that will be a breeze. This post will review some tips to make your first general dentist appointment…