Many experts consider dental implants the golden standard of replacement teeth because of their many unique benefits. Unlike dentures and dental bridges, they’re embedded into your jawbone for added strength and resilience.
However, that doesn’t mean they’re completely impervious to harm. Your dental implants can fail if you don’t care for them properly. With that in mind, keep reading to learn 3 lifestyle changes you can make to support your new teeth!
Modification #1: Implement a Routine
Your restoration consists of a titanium rod that’s surgically inserted into your jaw capped with a dental crown made of durable porcelain. These materials can’t decay like your natural teeth, but it’s still essential that you clean your mouth consistently to avoid peri-implantitis.
This form of gum disease happens when bacteria in your mouth penetrate the surgical site and begin to erode the surrounding tissues. It’s the number one leading cause of failure but can fortunately be avoided with a regular at-home dental hygiene routine. Brushing and flossing twice daily removes plaque and germs that cause common dental problems to safeguard your smile.
Modification #2: Stop Smoking
If you smoke vapes, cigarettes, or chew tobacco, there’s no better reason than rebuilding your grin to consider quitting. These products all contain nicotine, which is both addictive and dangerous. It’s a vasoconstrictor that reduces your blood oxygen levels and flow, leaving your body unable to deliver essential nutrients to your teeth and gums to heal after your surgery. This toxic substance also suppresses your immune system so you’re less able to fight infections like gum disease that can cause implant failure.
Many patients mistakenly believe they can quit long enough to recover from their procedure then resume smoking later when it’s safe. Unfortunately, this is known to hurt your new teeth even years after their initial placement. Quitting your habit for good can help preserve your prosthetics over time.
Modification #3: Get More Vitamin D
Dental implants are typically stronger than alternative replacements because they include a metal rod that’s placed in your jaw to function as a sturdy standalone structure. However, for them to be successful, your jaw must produce enough new bone growth to fully envelop and eventually fuse with this titanium pole.
Sufficient levels of vitamin D are essential for building healthy bones and enamel. It helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorus from the foods you eat to form strong, healthy new growth. In fact, researchers have discovered that patients who are deficient are up to three times more likely to experience implant failure. Thankfully, increasing your levels isn’t hard. Taking a 20-minute walk during peak hours on a sunny day can give you everything you need. You can also take it as a supplement or find it naturally occurring in different foods like fatty fish, egg yolks, and other fortified options.
Making these few simple adjustments to your daily life is an easy and effective way to support your dental implants!
Meet the Author
Dr. Tavi Henry is dedicated to helping you and your loved ones build the happiest, healthiest versions of your smiles. He earned his DDS from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine and has since completed 400+ hours of continuing education in specialty topics like dental implants, cosmetic services, and sleep dentistry. He partners with the finest local surgeons for your procedure then utilizes state-of-the-art equipment to provide a comfortable, lifelike restoration to close the gap in your grin. If you need to replace missing teeth, you can request an appointment on the website or call (303) 984-1400.