Dental implants are a discreet and effective way to replace missing teeth, but, while they are incredibly strong and durable, they are not invincible. Certain habits can erode the appearance of your dental restorations or make your implants more likely to fail. Here’s a quick overview of a few bad habits that can wreck your new smile along with a few ways to help your implants last for as long as possible.
Cut Back on the Drinking
It takes about six months for your jaw to completely heal after receiving dental implants. During this time, the titanium posts will fuse with the bone structure of the jaw through the natural process of osseointegration. This is the crucial stage that forms a strong foundation for your implants, giving them the stability they need to function like real teeth. Alcohol use can interfere with the jawbone’s healing period, so it’s best to refrain from alcoholic beverages while you are healing after the procedure.
Kick the Tobacco Habit
Smoking is completely horrible for every aspect of your oral health. In addition to leaving unsightly buildups and stains on natural teeth and dental restorations alike, tobacco has the side effect of causing your blood vessels to constrict. This reduces blood flow to the gums, making it harder for them to heal and fight infections. Tobacco use will make your implants much more likely to fail, so it’s best to refrain from smoking and chewing for a few months before and after receiving them. If you have to quit for that long anyway, why not consider quitting for good?
Don’t Abuse Your Smile
Teeth mainly serve you in three ways: chewing, speaking, and smiling. Using them for any other reasons counts as abuse and can lead to painful dental injuries such as chips, cracks, and fractures as well as dental implant failure. Never use your teeth to open packages or bottles or untie knots. If you need a convenient way to open a bottle, you may wish to invest in a bottle opener keychain. Chewing on ice or found objects can also cause serious damage and increase your likelihood of implant failure.
Dental implants are the ideal way to replace missing teeth because they look, feel, and function just like the real thing. With proper care, your dental implants can last for more than three decades or even a lifetime.
About the Practice
Darby Creek Dental delivers the finest oral health services available in Marysville. Led by Drs. David W. Cleveland, Deric R. Budendorf, and Kyle S. Wylde, the staff ensures that each patient receives effective treatments that address their needs. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implant services. To learn more about how to make your dental implants last, contact the office online or dial (937) 644-8822.