Avoiding Dental Implant Failure: 5 Tips from a Holistic Dentist

Did you know that, under the right conditions, dental implants can last for a lifetime? Yes, you can expect your prosthetic teeth to serve you well year after year, decade after decade — but only if you take good care of them! Without proper maintenance, they are much more likely to fail. How can you avoid dental implant failure so your smile stays strong and healthy for the long haul? Here are some practical tips from our holistic dental practice:

Attend Regular Dental Visits

Routine checkups with a dentist are crucial for the longevity of your dental implants. During these visits, Dr. Thomas and our team can monitor the health of your gums, check for any early signs of complications, and professionally clean areas that are difficult to reach at home. Consistent appointments allow us to address minor issues before they can develop into major problems that might threaten your implants.

Stick to a Thorough Oral Hygiene Routine

Daily oral hygiene is the foundation of a healthy smile, even when you no longer have any natural teeth! You should brush your implants at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid damaging the surface of your prosthetic teeth. Flossing or using interdental brushes around the implants removes food particles and plaque, thereby reducing the risk of inflammation and infection.

Avoid Bad Habits

Bad habits can put your dental implants at risk! Smoking is particularly dangerous because it restricts blood flow to your gums and increases the likelihood of implant failure. You should also refrain from using your teeth to open packages or bite into hard substances, since these actions can damage both your implants and your remaining natural teeth. Excessive alcohol consumption is another habit to steer clear of because it can adversely affect your entire body, including your mouth and dental implants.

Mind Your Food Choices

Your diet plays a significant role in the health of your dental implants. You should choose mostly foods that support strong bones and healthy gums, such as leafy greens, calcium-rich items, and lean proteins. Limiting sugary snacks and beverages helps to control bacterial growth in your mouth and lowers the risk of gum infections that could adversely affect your implants.

Manage Your Overall Health

Systemic health conditions like diabetes and osteoporosis can impact the success of dental implants. Work closely with your healthcare providers to keep these conditions well-controlled. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, stress management, and getting enough sleep, can all support your overall wellness and your dental implants.

Dental implants have the potential to last for a very long time! Use the tips in this blog post to keep your smile in great shape for years to come.

Meet the Practice

Dr. Preetha Thomas is a highly skilled holistic dentist with many years of experience. She works with local specialists to provide start-to-finish dental implant care, and she is always happy to give patients personalized advice on how to care for their oral health. If you would like to discover how Dr. Thomas and our team may be able to serve you, contact Enclave Dental in Southlake, TX, at 817-912-1218.