How to Make Your Dental Implants Last: What to Do & What to Avoid

At Confident Smiles & Implants, serving Farragut, the greater Knoxville area, and Lenoir City, we understand that dental implants represent a significant investment in your oral health and overall well-being. Ensuring their longevity is a priority for us, and we're here to guide you on how to make your dental implants last, covering both essential practices and potential pitfalls.

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What to Do: Building a Foundation for Lasting Implants

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Your journey to long-lasting implants begins with a proactive approach to your health and hygiene. We firmly believe that a holistic view of your well-being directly impacts the success and lifespan of your implants.

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1. Prioritize Your Overall Health:

Manage Chronic Conditions: For patients with diabetes, maintaining stable A1C levels is crucial. Open communication about any health changes ensures we can adjust your care as needed.

Discuss Medications: Inform us about all medications, especially those affecting bone health. We'll assess potential interactions with your implants, ensuring safety and efficacy.

2. Commit to Impeccable Oral Hygiene:

Think of your implants as a part of your natural dentition, requiring the same level of care. Consistent and thorough oral hygiene is the cornerstone of implant longevity.

Brush and Floss Daily: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the implant surface. Floss gently around the implant and between teeth to remove plaque and debris.

Utilize Specialized Tools: Consider interdental brushes or water flossers for hard-to-reach areas. These tools help prevent plaque buildup, which can lead to peri-implantitis.

Schedule Regular Professional Cleanings: Visit Confident Smiles & Implants for routine checkups and cleanings. Professional cleanings remove tartar and prevent peri-implantitis, a serious gum infection.

3. Choose an Experienced Dental Team:

Selecting a skilled and experienced dental team is paramount for successful implant placement and long-term care. Our commitment to excellence ensures your implants are placed with precision and care.

Trust in Our Expertise: Dr. Luis Mariusso and our team at Confident Smiles & Implants possess extensive experience in implant procedures. We utilize cutting-edge technology to provide the highest standard of care.

Follow Post-Operative Instructions: Carefully adhere to all instructions provided after your implant surgery. This will ensure proper healing and integration.

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What to Avoid: Protecting Your Investment

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Just as important as what you should do is understanding what you should avoid to safeguard your implants. Certain habits and practices can significantly shorten the lifespan of your implants.

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1. Smoking:

Smoking is a major adversary to implant success. It impairs healing and increases the risk of infection, jeopardizing the integrity of your implants.

Quit Smoking: Ideally, quit before and after implant surgery to maximize success. We can provide resources to help you quit, supporting your journey to better oral health.

2. Neglecting Oral Hygiene:

Poor oral hygiene can lead to peri-implantitis, a serious condition that can cause implant failure. Consistent care is essential.

Avoid Irregular Cleaning: Don’t skip brushing or flossing, as consistent care is crucial. Plaque buildup happens fast.

Don’t Ignore Warning Signs: If you notice red, swollen, or bleeding gums around your implant, contact us immediately. Early intervention is key.

3. Excessive Force and Bruxism (Teeth Grinding):

Excessive force can damage your implants, leading to fractures or loosening. Protecting your implants from undue stress is crucial.

Avoid Hard Foods: Be cautious with hard or sticky foods that can put excessive pressure on your implants. Cut food into smaller pieces to reduce stress.

Address Bruxism: If you grind your teeth, we may recommend a nightguard to protect your implants. This prevents damage from excessive pressure during sleep.

4. Ignoring Regular Check-ups:

Regular check-ups allow us to monitor your implants and address any potential issues early on, ensuring their longevity.

Don’t Skip Appointments: Regular check-ups are essential for long-term implant health. Early detection and prevention are key to maintaining your investment.

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Your Partner in a Lasting Smile: Confident Smiles & Implants

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By adhering to these guidelines, you can significantly increase the lifespan of your dental implants. At Confident Smiles & Implants, we're dedicated to providing exceptional care and support, ensuring your smile remains healthy and vibrant for years to come.

If you have any questions or concerns about your dental implants, or if you're considering implants in Farragut, the greater Knoxville area, or Lenoir City, please contact us at (865) 248-2312. We’re here to help you maintain a healthy and confident smile.