Unhealthy Habits: 3 Things to Avoid with Dental Implants

Many experts consider dental implants the gold standard for replacing missing teeth due to their unique advantages. Unlike dentures and dental bridges, these restorations include a support rod that’s surgically placed in your jaw, which eventually fuses with the bone to become a more permanent part of your mouth.

As a result, they are often stronger and last longer than the alternatives, but that doesn’t mean they’re invincible. Continue reading to learn about 3 bad habits you might have that could potentially harm your dental implants, so you can make positive changes to support your smile!

Habit #1: Smoking

Did you know that regularly smoking cigarettes, vaping, or using other tobacco products can make you 2 to 3 times more likely to experience dental implant failure? They contain nicotine, which functions as a vasoconstrictor. It reduces your oxygen levels and flow, preventing your system from delivering key nutrients and disease-fighting cells to your gums after surgery.

Unfortunately, this can lead to an infection that damages the materials surrounding your restoration, which can eventually destabilize or dislodge it. Not only that, but the pressure from suction during a puff can dislodge the blood clot that must form at the implant site for effective healing.

Habit #2: Not Flossing

Brushing your teeth removes about an estimated 50% to 60% of plaque to help prevent cavities, but if you’re not also flossing, you could be putting your new tooth at risk. This is because bacteria in your mouth can also penetrate your connective tissues and contribute to periodontal problems, like peri-implantitis, the leading cause of failure.

Thankfully, this can be prevented by implementing a consistent twice-daily at-home dental hygiene routine that includes flossing after brushing. This helps clear germs and residue from your connective tissues, keeping them healthy and strong enough to continue supporting your implant.

Habit #3: Teeth Grinding

It can take several months to heal after dental implant surgery because that’s how long it takes your mouth to produce enough new bone growth to fuse with the support pole placed there in a process called osseointegration. Unfortunately, if you suffer from bruxism, or teeth grinding, the added pressure of constantly clenching your jaw can potentially prevent you from completing this stage of recovery successfully.

Many dentists offer custom-fitted oral appliances, such as a nightguard, to correct your bite and provide additional cushioning to help prevent implant failure.

Your dental team likely gave you a comprehensive list of post-operative care instructions after your procedure. Following their directions as closely as possible can help you heal as quickly as possible while avoiding potential complications!

Meet the Author

Dr. Byron Reintjes is an accomplished dentist with 30+ years of experience helping improve people’s lives by enhancing their smiles. He earned his dental doctorate from the Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry, and today, he offers a comprehensive menu of services to meet all your and your family’s oral healthcare needs, including placing and restoring lifelike dental implants. You can request an appointment on the website or call (559) 438-6684.