It’s infuriating to lose a tooth, but with dental implants, you get a second chance at having a flawless smile. They are natural and comfortable and will boost your confidence. But here’s the thing: how long they’d last is up to how well you maintain them. Dental implants last long, but only if you’re careful enough to keep them in pristine condition. The silver lining? It’s not as hard as you think.

If you desire the stability of your implants and not want unsolicited complications, simply adhere to these five indispensable steps:

1. Maintain Your Oral Hygiene Spotless

Dental implants don’t decay like natural teeth, but they are prone to infection nonetheless. Poor oral hygiene can cause peri-implantitis, a potentially erosive disease that jeopardizes implant stability.

• Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Avoid abrasive toothpaste to prevent scratching the surface of the implant.
• Floss daily using implant-friendly floss or a water flosser.
• Rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash that contains no alcohol to keep bacteria at bay.

2. Eat Smart

Diet plays a larger role in the health of dental implants than you may know. Some foods will make your implants healthier and stronger, and foods will weaken them.

• Pile your plates with foods rich in calcium like dairy products, leafy greens, and fish soups to strengthen your jaw bones.
• Choose soft, healthy foods, especially post-surgery.
• Steer clear of sweet snacks and acidic beverages, which inflame the gums.
• Don’t bite down hard on things such as ice, pens, or hard candy—just one error and your implant crown can get damaged.

3. Protect Your Implants at Night

You may not even know it, but grinding at night (bruxism) can exert tremendous pressure on your implants. If you do not break the habit, it can reduce their lifespan.

• Wear a custom-made nightguard if you grind your teeth.
• Steer clear of excessive caffeine or alcohol before bedtime because they will lead to grinding.
• Break the habit of unconscious clenching through meditation or stress management techniques.

4. Regular Dental Checkups

• Even if your implants are feeling wonderful, neglecting dentist visits is not the way to go. Regular visits enable your dentist to detect minor problems before they become major.
• See your dentist at least once every six months for professional cleaning.
• Get X-rays as directed to make sure the implant is secure and the bone surrounding it is healthy.
• Treat gum swelling or pain immediately to avoid infection.

5. Quit Smoking (Or At Least Cut Down)

Smoking poses one of the biggest dangers to the success of the implant. Smoking diminishes healing, boosts the risk of infection, and destroys bone support.

• If sudden quitting is too daunting, begin by minimizing the number of cigarettes smoked daily.
• Experiment with nicotine patches or gum to suppress urges without harming your implants.
• Get help from a professional or support group to make quitting less difficult.

Dental Implants Have a Long Life With Proper Care

With proper care, dental implants can last long. A little extra effort makes all the difference in keeping them firm, functional, and unseen. Pay attention to oral care, be cautious with food, and don’t forget to visit the dentist. Your smile—and your implants—will reward you for it!

If you would like to keep your implants in the best condition possible, let our dental staff assist you. We provide individualized care and professional advice to take care of your smile for years to come. Make an appointment today at our Culver City location and take the next step in safeguarding your investment!