Dental implants are considered to be the best way to replace lost teeth because they look and function just like the real thing. They can restore a patient’s ability to chew and smile, allowing them to consume a wider variety of foods and make a sharp and confident first impression. While they can last for decades, their lifespan depends mostly on the patient’s oral hygiene and overall health habits. Here are a few habits you might want to break after receiving dental implants.
Don’t Drink So Much
After your implants are surgically placed, it will take about six months for your jaw to fully heal. During this time, your jawbone will fuse with your implants through the natural process of osseointegration. Since alcohol consumption can hinder your body’s healing efforts, oral surgeons recommend that you abstain from alcoholic beverages during this time. After the surgical sites have fully healed, you can resume drinking alcohol in moderation. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to dry mouth, which increases the likelihood of gum disease and implant failure.
Kick the Smoking Habit
Smoking and other tobacco use are among the leading causes of implant failure. Inhaling tobacco smoke or chewing tobacco causes your gums to harden, and nicotine causes blood vessels to constrict. Both of these effects make it harder for your gums to heal properly after receiving dental implants. Since you’ll have to forego smoking for a few months after receiving dental implants, this period is a great time to kick the habit for good. Try to replace smoking with healthier habits such as doing pushups or flossing.
Don’t Neglect Your Oral Hygiene
Gum disease is a notorious culprit behind dental implant failure, and the best way to prevent gum disease is through excellent oral hygiene. A proper dental care routine includes brushing, flossing, and using antibacterial mouthwash. Brush at least twice a day for two minutes with gentle, circular strokes while taking care to wait for thirty minutes after eating. Flossing at least once a day can eliminate plaque and food debris that brushing alone would miss. Using antibacterial mouthwash can kill more than 99% of the disease-causing bacteria in your mouth and leave you with a fresh, minty feeling.
Dental implants should be a long-term investment, and with good habits and proper care, they can serve you for a lifetime of bright smiles and delicious meals.
About the Author
Dr. Hamid Ranjbaran earned his dental degree from the Baylor College of Dentistry before completing a one-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at the University of New Mexico. He proudly serves as a member of the American Dental Association, the New Mexico Dental Association, and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. His office in Rio Rancho, NM offers general, pediatric, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry in addition to dental implant treatments. For more information on caring for dental implants, contact the office online or dial (505) 896-9399.