Dental implants are long-lasting, permanent tooth replacements. They are a popular choice among patients for their durability and ability to look and feel like natural teeth. However, dental implants are an investment, and they should be cared for as such. Follow the tips below to help extend the life span of your implants and prevent implant failure.

5 tips for looking after dental implants

1. Practice good dental hygiene

Twice daily brushing, daily flossing, and regular dental checkups are integral to caring for dental implants. Although the implants themselves are not subject to tooth decay, the surrounding bone and gums may deteriorate. Therefore, neglecting one’s dental hygiene can lead to peri-implantitis (gum disease around the implants), infection, and other factors that cause dental implants to fail.

2. Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush

Do not brush dental implants with medium- or hard-bristled toothbrushes. Instead, opt for soft nylon toothbrushes to prevent scratching and wearing away the implant’s surface. It is also best to use toothpaste and mouthwash made for sensitive teeth. In addition, avoid abrasive oral health products like at-home dental picks.

3. Do not smoke or drink alcohol in excess

Tobacco and acidic alcohol can wear away dental implants. Smoking and drinking can also slow down the healing process after getting implants. A longer recovery period may increase one’s chance of improper healing and infection — two common causes of dental implant failure. Refrain from smoking and drinking for at least 72 hours after first getting implants; if possible, do not drink or smoke for the first six months.

Some types of alcohol are worse for dental implants than others. For instance, red wine easily stains implants. However, a glass of wine every now and then should be okay. Drinking in moderation is fine in most cases.

4. Watch what you eat

Watching what one eats after dental implant surgery allows for proper healing, which in turn sets the implants up for a long life. Only eat soft, liquid foods the day after getting implants. This may include yogurt, applesauce, pudding, soup, mashed potatoes, and similar foods. As the mouth heals, the patient may start eating soft food that requires some chewing, like pasta, rice, eggs, and steamed vegetables. Regular food, like meat, should be safe to eat after a couple of weeks.

Dietary changes remain important after the healing stage, however. Limit sugar and acid intake to prevent peri-implantitis. Drinking too much coffee and tea can also stain implants, shortening their life span.

Invest in nightguards

Patients who grind their teeth at night may benefit from sleeping with nightguards. Grinding the teeth with dental implants can wear them down quickly. If grinding is excessive, they may even chip away or crack.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Implants in Miami, FL

Learn more about caring for dental implants

Dental implants last for 10 to 15 years on average. They can, however, last for decades with proper care. For more information on how to make dental implants last as long as possible, contact our team.

Request an appointment or call Miami Implant & Family Dentists at 305-230-4040 for an appointment in our Miami office.

Recent Posts

Getting Dental Implants For Dentures

Many people resort to using dentures instead of dental implants in managing tooth loss. Dentures may restore the look of the lost tooth or teeth, but they do not compare to implants. Many dentists may recommend shifting to implants. The goals are to increase comfort and improve function. If you want to know how to…

What Full Mouth Dental Implants Are

Full mouth dental implants are an option that many patients choose when they need to replace their missing teeth. Our smile is the first impression we have when meeting a new person. We all want that impression to be warm and welcoming. When our smile is somewhat imperfect, we tend to lack confidence and feel…

A Dental Implant Is A Permanent Tooth Replacement

Do you need a dental implants? Read on to learn more about this type of dental restoration. Removable partial dentures and a fixed dental bridge not supported by implants are not considered permanent restorations. However, a dental implant restoration is considered permanent, as it essentially uses the same structure as a natural tooth.The benefits of…

Miami Implant & Family Dentists

Share
Published by
Miami Implant & Family Dentists

Recent Posts

What You Need To Know About Implant-Supported Dentures

Curious about implant-supported dentures? Read on to learn more about this tooth-replacement option. If you…

3 hours ago

How to Choose the Right Type of Dentures for Your Needs

Many patients are surprised to learn about the numerous types of dentures that are available.…

1 week ago

The Long-Term Benefits of Seeing a Family Dentist

Establishing a relationship with a family dentist offers numerous long-term benefits for maintaining oral health.

1 week ago

What To Expect When Wearing Dentures for the First Time

Traditional dentures, or false teeth, are an effective way to replace missing teeth. While getting…

2 weeks ago

4 Things to Know About Implant Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures are ideal for many dental professionals and their patients. They offer many benefits…

3 weeks ago

Getting Dental Implants for Dentures

If you want to know how to get dental implants in place of dentures, here…

3 weeks ago