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Dental implants are one of the best tooth replacement options available today. They’re strong, natural-looking, and (probably most importantly) built to last. But like anything worth having, they need a little care to stay in top shape. The good news is that most of the changes you’ll need to make are simple and can benefit your overall health, too! Here are a few lifestyle adjustments that can help your dental implants go the distance.
1. Up Your Oral Care Game
Your implants may not be “real” teeth, but they still need to be cleaned like they are. Plaque and bacteria can collect around your gumline, leading to a condition called peri-implantitis (basically gum disease for implants).
To prevent this, brush twice a day, floss before bed, and consider using an antibacterial mouth rinse to keep your gums healthy and strong.
2. Keep Up with Dental Visits
Regular checkups are absolutely essential. Your periodontist can’t monitor the health of your implants if you don’t show up to your appointments. During these visits, they can clean areas you can’t reach and make sure everything stays stable over time.
Therefore, aim for at least two visits per year, unless your periodontist recommends more frequent checkups.
3. Treat Your Smile with Care
What you put in your mouth, whether it’s food or objects, can affect the longevity of your implants in a big way. Avoid hard, sticky, or overly chewy foods that can strain your implant crown or abutment. Good examples include things like ice, pens, caramels, or packaging of any kind.
4. Wind Down Your Smoking Habit
Smoking, vaping, and implants don’t mix! Nicotine reduces blood flow, which slows healing after implant surgery and increases the risk of failure. Even after healing, those who smoke or use vape pens regularly have shown a higher rate of implant complications.
If you’ve been thinking about quitting, your implants can give you one more great reason to finally go through with it!
5. Don’t Ignore Issues
If you notice pain, swelling, gum recession, or anything that doesn’t feel quite right, don’t wait it out. Getting treatment right away can save your implant or prevent small issues from becoming big ones.
Your implants are built to last, but only if you’re willing to put in a little effort. Small changes like quitting smoking, brushing regularly, and seeing your periodontist can add years to the life of your smile and protect your investment for the long road of life ahead.
About the Practice
At Utah Implants & Periodontics, Dr. Rob Wood is committed to helping patients enjoy healthy, long-lasting results with their dental implants. Our team works closely with each patient to provide personalized guidance that can protect your investment and support long-term oral health. Call (801) 322-5032 to schedule a dental implant consultation with us or visit our website to see a menu of other services.