My Dental Implants Are Great! How Can I Keep Them from Failing?

Dental implants have allowed millions of people to enjoy the benefits that come with having a complete smile after mild to severe tooth loss, and they are considered the best tooth replacement option available because they work, look, and feel just like real teeth. One of the most significant benefits these devices offer is that they are more than 95% successful even ten years after being placed. Here’s a quick look at what makes these devices so incredible and how you can keep yours in excellent condition for decades.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Dental implants can function just like real teeth because they are designed to fuse with the jawbone through the natural process of osseointegration. The foundational component of an implant is a titanium post with a screw-like ridge around it to maximize surface area. Titanium has the incredible ability to bond with living bone tissue, and it will take several months for your implant to fuse with your jaw completely. This gives the device the sturdy hold it needs to exert maximum chewing power and last for life if it receives excellent care.

How Can I Keep My Dental Implants in Great Shape?

While dental implants are incredibly strong (titanium is used to construct many of the military’s fighter jets, after all), they are not invincible and can be compromised by injury and infection. To ensure that your devices stay in excellent condition, stick to the following guidelines:

• Practice excellent oral hygiene: Dental implants require the same oral hygiene routine as real teeth, so you’ll need to brush, floss, and use antibacterial mouthwash every day.
• Attend regular dental appointments: These checkups allow a qualified oral health provider to monitor the health of your implants and natural teeth, address issues in their early stages, and recommend better hygiene habits for you to implement at home.
• Kick bad habits: Tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption can compromise the health of your gums and jawbones and lead to early implant failure.
• Don’t abuse your teeth: Never use your teeth to open packages or bottles or to chew on inedible materials such as wood, metal, plastic, and ice.
• Protect your smile: Wear a customized nightguard if you grind your teeth or an athletic mouthguard when riding a bike or playing sports. Your dentist can provide you with appliances that deliver superior protection.

Don’t let your dental implants fail early due to a few bad habits. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand how to keep your restorations beautiful and functional for decades or possibly a lifetime.

About the Practice

Martinez Dentistry offers the finest oral health services in Indianapolis. Led by Drs. Corey Martinez and Alam Grewal, the staff treats each patient with compassion, courtesy, and outstanding customer service. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To learn more about proper dental implant care, contact the practice online or dial the front desk at (317) 846-3431.