When Failure Is Not an Option: Keeping Your Dental Implants Healthy and Strong

Dentists everywhere hold dental implants to be the finest tooth replacement option available because they look, work, and feel just like real teeth. While dental implants maintain an impressive success rate of more than 95%, poor oral health habits can cause them to fail. Since dental implants offer many amazing quality-of-life benefits, you may be interested in learning how you can help your new teeth stay in great shape. Here are a few tips for preventing implant failure for many years to come.

Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene

The basis of excellent oral health is proper daily hygiene at home to prevent tooth decay and nasty gum infections that can compromise your dental implant. After receiving implants, stick to the following habits to prevent them from failing:

Brush Twice Daily

Every day, gently brush your teeth and implants with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of toothpaste without abrasive ingredients like stain removers or baking soda. You should brush once in the morning and once before bed at least, but it’s a great idea to also brush between meals. Be sure to wait at least thirty minutes after eating before brushing to allow your teeth to recover after chewing.

Floss Every Day

Take care to carefully floss your teeth and implants at least once a day. Hold a length of floss taut between your fingers and slide it between a pair of teeth. Gently work it against the sides of either tooth before removing the floss, moving to a clean section, and repeating this process with every other pair of teeth. Be careful not to floss too low below the gumline of your dental implant, as this can damage the gum tissue holding it in place.

Rinse with Antibacterial Mouthwash

Antibacterial mouthwash is an especially refreshing and enjoyable part of a proper oral hygiene routine. All you have to do is swish an ounce or so of this substance around your mouth for about a minute before spitting it out. This will eliminate harmful oral bacteria and leave your mouth feeling fresh and minty.

See Your Dentist Regularly

Your dentist is your smile’s best friend, so the two of them should see a lot of each other. The American Dental Association recommends seeing your dentist at least twice a year for routine exams and cleanings. This allows your dental professional to monitor your oral health, thoroughly clean your mouth, correct any issues in their early stages, and recommend better oral hygiene practices. All of this makes your dentist a key part of maintaining healthy gums that can keep your dental implants working well and looking great for years to come.

Keeping your dental implants in great shape is one of the best things you can do for your appearance and your oral health. If you take excellent care of your new teeth, they may last for up to thirty years or even a lifetime.

About the Practice

Vollo Dental Group offers the finest dental implant services in Rochester, NY. Led by Drs. Joseph and Katherine Vollo, the staff ensures that each patient receives exemplary customer service and compassionate treatments that address their needs. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry as well as dental implants. To book your dental implant consultation, contact the practice online or dial (585) 225-9114.