5 Costly Mistakes That Can Shorten The Life Of Your Dental Implants

A significant step in regaining your confidence and smile is getting dental implants. Although they are intended to be a permanent solution, they require the same maintenance as real teeth. Unfortunately, a lot of people make preventable errors that can lead to early implant failure.

Are you harming your implants without realizing it? Let’s find out how to prevent the top five blunders that could jeopardize your dental implants.

Dental Implants at Risk? Here Are The Mistakes You Have To Avoid

1. Neglecting Dental Hygiene

Dental implants require maintenance even if they are not natural teeth. Bacteria and plaque can build up around the implant and cause peri-implantitis, an infection that can lead to implant failure & gum disease.

What You Must Do:

• Use a toothbrush with gentle bristles two times a day.
• To preserve the surface of the implant, use a fluoride toothpaste that isn’t abrasive.
• Use a water flosser or floss that is compatible with implants every day.
• To prevent bacteria, use an antimicrobial mouthwash.

Nearly 20% of dental implant patients have peri-implantitis, according to studies, which raises the possibility of implant failure.

2. Ignoring Dental Exams

Do you believe that having implants eliminates the need for dental visits? Then, rethink your assumptions! In order to keep them in optimal condition, a dentist is essential.

The Significance of Frequent Exams

• Dentists look for early signals of implant problems or gum disease.
• Professional cleanings eliminate plaque accumulation that is too deep for brushing.
• Minor difficulties can be resolved before they become significant ones.

Solution: Schedule a timely examination and cleaning with a dentist every 6 months.

3. Chewing On Foods That Are Sticky or Hard

Despite their strength, dental implants can break. While eating sticky foods can put stress on the dental implant in Denver, PA, and result in difficulties, biting down on firm foods can cause damage.

Foods To Avoid:

• Ice cubes.
• Hard candies.
• Popcorn kernels.
• Sticky caramels and taffy.
• Hard nuts.

Alternative: Opt for softer, implant-friendly foods like yogurt, eggs, and cooked vegetables.

4. Using Your Teeth as Tools

Do you use your teeth to open packages, crack nuts, or bite nails? This habit can put excessive pressure on your implants, leading to cracks, fractures, or even complete implant failure.

The Safer Approach:

• Use scissors or bottle openers instead of your teeth.
• Avoid biting on pens, pencils, or fingernails.
• Treat your implants like natural teeth – with care!

5. Smoking & Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Both smoking and heavy drinking can significantly shorten the lifespan of dental implants by affecting healing, bone density, gums, and overall oral health.

How Do They Harm Your Implants?

• Smoking: Reduces blood flow, delaying healing and increasing infection risk.
• Alcohol: Can lead to dry mouth, making it easier for bacteria to thrive around them.

Research indicates that smokers are up to 3 times more likely to go through implant failure than non-smokers.

Solution: Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption to protect your dental implants and overall health.

Overall, dental implants can be a lifelong solution, as they help you in full smile restoration, but only if you take the right steps to protect them. Avoid these five costly mistakes, and you’ll ensure your implants stay strong, healthy, and functional for a long time.