Understanding the Factors That Contribute to the Long-term Health of Your New Dental Implants

If you’ve decided you want to receive new dental implants, you’re going to experience a variety of benefits that traditional tooth replacement options (like dentures) don’t offer. In addition to creating a better fit for your mouth, dental implants are healthier for your gums than dentures and present a more permanent solution. In order to ensure that your dental implants last, though, it’s important to take care of them just as you would take care of your natural teeth. Here are the key factors that will determine whether or not your dental implants will last – and how to take care of them for years to come.

Your new dental implants are designed to mimic your natural teeth – both in appearance and in function. Just as regular brushing and flossing can prevent cavities and control the presence of bacteria in and around natural teeth, a good oral hygiene routine is critical to keeping your dental implants in top shape. It is absolutely critical that you brush and floss regularly. You may need to alter your flossing technique slightly in order to care for dental implants – your Lorton oral surgeon can explain the proper technique to you.

If you’ve been less than diligent about keeping regular dentist appointments in the past, you’ll need to change this harmful habit immediately. An annual or biannual professional cleaning at a dentist’s office is an important part of standard dental care, but with your new dental implants you’ll want to see your dentist more often. In most cases, your Lorton oral surgeon will recommend that you have your implants professionally cleaned once every 3-6 months in order to prevent infections. The exact schedule will vary between patients – talk to your oral surgeon to find the cleaning schedule that is right for you.

Just like natural teeth, nothing destroys dental implants faster than smoking. Tobacco and the chemicals in cigarettes have been found to significantly reduce the amount of bone in your jaw, which means heavy smoking can cause your dental implants to fail. Smoking can also slow the rate at which your mouth heals during the first 3-4 weeks following the procedure. Your Lorton oral surgeon will discuss your smoking habit with you and may suggest potential methods for quitting.

Caring for your new dental implants will be critical to ensuring their long-term success. Problems like excessive smoking, long stretches between dental cleanings, and poor oral hygiene can result in infections or even implant failure. A qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Springfield or Lorton can help you to create a post-operative care plan. For more information about dental implants, or to schedule a consultation today, contact Lorton Oral Surgery at (703) 436-4633.

Understanding the Factors That Contribute to the Long-term Health of Your New Dental Implants