At Altura Periodontics, we know just how much of a difference dental implants can make in someone’s life. They’re a lasting, natural-looking fix for missing teeth, and they can give you the confidence to eat, talk, and smile without hesitation. But, like anything else, keeping them in great shape over the long run takes a little care.
And, while dental implant failure is rare, following these tips can help you avoid it at all costs and enjoy your new smile for years to come. Here are a few simple things you can do to keep your dental implants in top-notch condition:
1. Stick to Your Daily Oral Hygiene Routine
Having healthy gums and strong bones are incredibly important for your oral health, but it’s also key to having successful dental implants. Think about it: would your implant rather thrive in a healthy environment, or one that doesn’t do everything in its power to make sure it works perfectly?
To make sure of that, you can brush twice a day and floss daily to keep harmful bacteria away. This will help prevent infection, which is one of the main reasons implants fail. In short, treat your implants just like your natural teeth – good hygiene is essential!
2. Don’t Skip Your Regular Check-Ups
Another way you can ensure you’re doing everything to keep your teeth in top-shape is by doing your routine dental visits. These are crucial no matter which procedure you have done if any, but they especially matter if you’ve gotten implants.
When you come in for regular check-ups at Altura Periodontics, we can keep an eye on your implants and overall oral health! This helps us catch any potential issues early before they become a problem. Plus, those professional cleanings keep your gums and implants in excellent condition.
3. Avoid Smoking
Believe it or not, smoking is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to implant failure. Why? It restricts blood flow to your gums, slowing down healing and weakening the implant’s stability. That’s why if you smoke we highly recommend quitting before your procedure to give your implant the best shot at success. Your whole body – and your smile – will thank you.
4. Eat a Balanced, Nutrient-Rich Diet
Even if you brush and floss your teeth daily and get your routine cleanings done, if you’re not eating right, you may as well be doing nothing. Simply put, what you eat plays a big role in the health of your dental implants, just like it does for your overall health.
So, what should you eat? We recommend a diet packed with nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, because it helps keep your bones strong and your gums healthy. Plus, you can load up on leafy greens, dairy, and fish to support healing and keep your implants stable.
5. Protect Your Implants from Damage
If you grind your teeth at night or play sports, make sure you’re protecting not only your teeth, but your implants too. You can ask your dentist for a custom night guard or sports guard that can help prevent any extra force or injury, as these could affect the stability of your implant.
It’s a simple yet effective way to give your implants a little extra care and keep them safe.
6. Pay Attention to How Things Feel
Your dental implants should feel and work just like your natural teeth, so if something doesn’t feel right – whether it’s discomfort, swelling, or looseness – don’t ignore it. Give us a call right away, because the sooner we can take a look, the better the chances of fixing any issues before they get worse, which is the last thing you want.
At Altura Periodontics, we’re here to help our Denver patients enjoy their dental implants for a lifetime. With personalized care and a focus on long-term success, we’ll make sure your smile stays healthy and bright.
Want to keep your implants in great shape? Schedule your next check-up with us and contact us today. We’re here to help every step of the way!
Sincerely,
The Altura Periodontics Team