One of the most durable options when it comes to tooth replacement is opting for dental implants. These prosthetic teeth are the most similar to your natural teeth and hence are typically expected to have a long life span as well as being quite durable. However, just as you need to take good care of your real teeth for them to stay healthy and strong, you also need to take measures to ensure your dental implants are cared for. A common misconception that some patients have is that, once they get their dental implants, they will not be required to put in any effort into keeping them in good condition. Here are some of the considerations to keep in mind for the maintenance of your dental implants.

Clean the dental implant thoroughly

Granted, the dental implants themselves are not at a risk of developing cavities and the like since they are not composed of living tissue. However, despite them being embedded into your jawbone, there are still some minuscule spaces between the prosthesis and your actual gum tissue. By neglecting the care of your dental implants, you increase the chances of bacteria and other microorganisms breeding in these spaces. This will not only put you at risk of a gum infection, but it also compromises the stability of the implant. When bone loss and gum inflammation sets in, you are more likely to lose your dental implant altogether.

Do not expose the dental implants to trauma

Another misconception that some patients have is that since the dental implants are prosthetic, they are stronger than their natural teeth. Although these implants are built to be sturdy and durable, they are not immune to trauma and excessive stress. Excessive teeth grinding and increased force when biting can cause the bond between the dental implant and your jawbone to become compromised. Regular exposure to these stresses will eventually lead to the implant becoming loose. If you are a perpetual night-time grinder, it is best advised to seek mouth guards from your dentist so as to ensure your dental implant stays protected from this. Additionally, dental implants can also become knocked out if you participate in aggressive sports. Thus, it is best to take some precautions before engaging in any activity that has a high risk of trauma to your mouth.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Damage to your dental implants does not only come in the form of trauma. Your lifestyle choices can also affect the longevity of your implants. Habits such as oral drug use and smoking can eventually be detrimental to your implants as they increase the chances of gum disease and put you at risk of tooth loss.

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