Best Ways To Look After Your Dental Implants
Ever since dental implants became readily available, they have transformed the lives of dental patients.
Many people who previously were embarrassed to leave their homes due to the poor appearance of their teeth are now all too happy to speak, eat, and – importantly – smile in the company of others.
Dental implants at Dental O So Gentle
Our dentists at Dental O So Gentle have been amazed by the dramatic and positive transformation that can be achieved with dental implants when it comes to our patients.
And it goes beyond just their teeth.
Their entire demeanours have shifted, and many of them have had the confidence to come out of their shell and be the person they were meant to be without feeling ashamed about how their teeth looked. Many have become as outgoing and confident as they always wanted to be.
Do dental implants always work?
While the dental industry is flush with success stories when it comes to dental implants, not every single dental implant procedure is a success.
Unfortunately, the reality is that every case and every patient is different. Even in instances where the implants don’t have any design faults, implants can fail or require ongoing surgery. Reasons for this can include the health of the patient and other lifestyle factors.
At Dental O So Gentle, we believe that our patients deserve to know the benefits and risks associated with all treatments, including implants. By being upfront and honest, we know that any patient that comes into our clinics can make informed, responsible decisions about their oral health.
Equally importantly, being upfront about the factors that can cause dental implant failure allows our patients the opportunity to develop new habits that are healthier and better for their wellbeing.
How you can increase the chances of dental implant success
- General health
Our bodies work as a collection of individual organs and, within that, individual cells. Health issues that affect one part of the body can well affect another part of the body. Having an appreciation for this interconnected nature highlights the importance of ensuring overall general health when it comes to dental health as well.
Underlying medical conditions or required healthcare treatments may need to be considered before treating oral health effectively. Some issues that are not resolved or managed effectively can impact whether or not the dental implant surgery will be successful.
For example, radiation treatment for cancer, some medications that affect immune systems, osteoporosis and other bone conditions, and smoking can all have detrimental impacts on not just your body but on your oral health. Dental implants can be similarly impacted by these.
Of course, some medical interventions are necessary and treatment should be followed. But general healthy living to improve overall wellbeing and avoid bad health habits like smoking can improve the chances of dental implants being successful drastically.
- Oral health
Dental implants can and have been used to help transform smiles for purely aesthetic and cosmetic reasons without there being underlying health issues. But for patients who practise poor oral hygiene, dental implants are not always an effective solution. Bone degradation, as an example, can impact the suitability of dental implants. This occurs when one’s oral health is so poor that the bone itself is lost. Other oral habits such as teeth grinding or clenching, for example when stressed, can also provide a barrier to successful dental implant surgery.
It’s important that oral hygiene and health is maintained so that if dental implants are required or desired down the line, the chances of success are maximised.
- Post-surgery oral hygiene
The days, weeks and months immediately following dental implant surgery are the most critical in determining success. It’s vital, therefore, that you follow the advice and instructions given by our team once you finish up in surgery.
Oral care and hygiene are not always the most enjoyable or most convenient of habits, but it needs to be prioritised for your own sake to ensure the gums and jawbone remain healthy and bacteria and infection free.
Simple practices such as daily brushing and flossing can make a world of difference to not just your dental implants’ chances of success but your overall oral health. The better your habits in the immediate aftermath of surgery, the more likely your dental implants will be successful for the long term.
Make sure you attend your post-surgery check-up appointment so our professional team can ensure that the implants are functioning and sitting as they should and that your oral health is satisfactory.
Find out more by calling our team today
