Tooth loss can detract from your daily quality of life in several ways. Not only might you feel self-conscious about your altered appearance, but you might also struggle with once-basic tasks, like chewing food or enunciating words.
Your dentist can rebuild your smile with dental implants, which are surgically placed in your jawbone to provide more strength and security than alternative solutions, like dentures or dental bridges. However, you may need to adjust your lifestyle slightly for them to be successful. Continue reading to learn about 3 changes you can make to support your dental implants!
Habit #1: Eat a Wholesome Diet
When it comes to your oral health, you really are what you eat. For example, consuming overly sugary foods attracts bacteria that contribute to cavities and gum disease, and too many acidic ingredients can wear down your enamel.
Thankfully, the opposite is true, too! You can support your teeth and gums by eating a well-balanced diet containing a variety of nutrients to support your dental and general well-being. For instance, dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese contain calcium for strong bones and teeth, and many citrus fruits have vitamin C to support your connective tissues.
You can also eat foods fortified with vitamin D or take a 20-minute walk outside on a bright day to increase your levels for improved recovery after your procedure.
Habit #2: Clean Your Mouth Consistently
The titanium rod of your implant and the resilient porcelain restoration that caps it aren’t made of the same organic materials as your teeth, so you don’t need to worry it will develop decay. However, bacteria can penetrate the surgical site in your mouth and cause infection, like peri-implantitis, the leading cause of failure.
To keep your new teeth in excellent condition and prevent oral issues, you should brush and floss twice daily, taking care not to press so deeply into your gums that you damage the implant seal. You should also see your dentist every six months for a routine visit, which allows them to monitor your condition to catch and treat areas of concern before they progress.
Habit #3: Stop Smoking
Many dentists recommend that you stop smoking at least two weeks before your surgery because vapes, cigarettes, and other tobacco products contain nicotine. This addictive chemical is a vasoconstrictor that reduces your blood oxygen levels and flow. As a result, your body cannot deliver essential nutrients to your teeth and gums to heal after your procedure, increasing the likelihood of failure.
You might think it’s safe to resume this habit after your implants have fused with your jawbone, but unfortunately, studies show that smoking can damage your new tooth even years after its successful placement.
Your dentist might recommend other changes to support your new tooth, too, like sticking to soft foods immediately following your surgery. Following their post-op directions is the best way to heal effectively without developing complications!
About the Practice
At Morgan Hill Dental Care, you and your family benefit from a team of general dentists and specialists dedicated to helping you build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. They collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services at one convenient location, so whether you need basic preventive care or a more complex procedure, they can help. They combine specialized training and experience with state-of-the-art equipment to provide each step of the dental implant process in the office, including oral surgery. If you need to replace missing teeth, you can request an appointment on the website or by calling (408) 778-4838.