Dental implants are considered the pinnacle of tooth restoration because they can replace a lost tooth with an artificial one that looks and works just like the real thing. While they are designed to last for decades, their lifespan depends greatly on the lifestyle and hygiene practices of the person wearing them. Here are a few lifestyle changes you can make to help your dental implants look great and last for the long run.
Kick the Smoking Habit to Prevent Implant Failure
Smoking is the most common culprit behind dental implant failure. Dental implants must be supported by healthy gums and jawbone, and tobacco use compromises both of these. When you inhale tobacco smoke or chew its leaves, your gums will harden to protect themselves from the chemicals it contains. If your gums have to protect themselves in this way frequently, the effort can exhaust them, causing them to recede and diminish.
To make matters worse, nicotine has the effect of causing your body’s blood vessels to constrict, making it harder for your gums to heal and fight infections. The smoking habit also accelerates the rate of bone loss, making it more difficult for an implant to fuse with the jawbone through the natural process of osseointegration. It’s best to abstain from smoking before receiving and while healing from dental implants, and staying off the habit afterward can help ensure their continued health and prevent stains and discoloration.
Exercise and Eating Right Can Help You Heal Quickly and Thoroughly
The healing process requires healthy blood flow in order to be speedy and efficient, but junk food and sedentary lifestyles can cause complications for it. Without adequate exercise, your cardiovascular system can have more difficulty moving blood around your body, and an unhealthy diet can keep your body from getting the nutrients it needs to heal properly. Practice good general health habits to keep your healing on track after dental implant surgery.
Dental implant surgery can be a life-changing procedure, but it requires some discipline on the part of the patient to be successful. By taking proper care of your mouth and body, you can help keep your healing period brief, thorough, and comfortable.
About the Author
Dr. Anil Patel earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry in Los Angeles and has since served at a private dental practice. He is a proud member of the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association and a Fellow of the International Dental Implant Association. His office in Fort Worth, TX offers general, pediatric, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implant treatments. For more information on recovering after dental implant surgery, contact his office online or dial (817) 717-6788.