Tips for Maintaining Healthy Dental Implants

At Bonita Beach Dental, we are committed to helping you preserve your beautiful smile. Getting a dental implant (or multiple implants) is just the beginning. With proper care, you can help maintain your dental implant’s longevity and natural-looking appearance, prevent failure of the implant, or worsen any damage to your oral health.  

Tips for Maintaining Healthy Dental Implants

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Abstain from Smoking

Smoking during the healing period can prolong recovery or even worsen the overall outcome. A recent study published by Medicina found that implants placed in smokers have a 140.2% higher risk of failure compared to those in non-smokers.

Smoking impairs the gum tissue's ability to heal, making the process longer and more complicated. Smokers are also at a higher risk of developing oral infections due to a compromised immune response. It’s recommended to refrain from smoking for several weeks before and after the procedure. Ideally, wait until you are sure the implant has completely healed before resuming smoking.

Avoid Implant Overload

It takes time for the implant to integrate with the jawbone fully, so it's important to avoid putting excessive pressure on it during this healing period.

Refrain from chewing hard foods such as ice, uncooked fruits and vegetables, nuts, or tough meats or breads where your teeth would need to pull and tear. Overloading the implant can cause it to loosen, leading to complications like deformation or fractures of the prosthetic components. To ensure the best outcome, stick to a diet of softer foods until your implant is completely healed.

Maintain Good Hygiene

During the early stages of dental implant healing, when the surgical site is still fresh, the likelihood of infection is high. It’s crucial to ensure that the gums and surrounding tissues remain healthy.  

Regular visits to the dentist are always recommended, but during the healing process especially it’s essential to maintain diligent daily oral health habits. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash to reduce bacterial build-up. Following any specific care instructions provided by your dentist will also help ensure the long-term success of your dental implants.

Use a Water Flosser

To thoroughly clean hard-to-reach and sensitive areas, particularly around the implant, you may need an additional tool, such as a water flosser. With it, you can remove debris and plaque from spots that a toothbrush might not effectively reach.  

Regain Your Confidence with Dental Implants in Bonita Beach

Our team at Bonita Beach Dental are experts at crafting lasting solutions to tooth replacement. Dr. Scott offers expertise in dental implants, All-on-4® smile restoration, and implant-supported dentures to ensure a natural-looking, permanent smile. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Scott and the Bonita Beach Dental team here.

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