7 Effective Ways to Avoid Complications of Dental Implants

Dental implants have changed our world. Not a long time ago, people with missing teeth had no options to replace them. Missing teeth can lead to a wide range of problems including jaw bone loss, neck issues, severe malocclusion, digestive problems, etc. Dental implants can prevent these issues and make you feel more confident about your smile.

To have a beautiful and shiny smile, you need to practice proper dental implant care. What do you need to do to make your dental implants last longer? The answer seems to be simple: you need to maintain good oral hygiene, have regular dental appointments, and improve your diet.

There are other things you might not know that can help you care for your dental implants. We've collected the most important ways to avoid complications of dental implants and keep your new teeth in great condition:

1. Give up smoking

Your dental implants can be a good reason to give up smoking. Smokers have an increased risk of implant complications as well as implant failure. Quitting smoking before having your dental implants installed is an excellent way to avoid any risks and improve the outcome of the procedure. If you have had a dental implant procedure recently, try to give up smoking right now.

2. Limit your intake of teeth-staining foods

Teeth-staining foods can lead to permanent discoloration. Stains from foods can affect the appearance of your teeth if not brushed or washed away immediately. Here is a list of common teeth-staining foods:

• Wine
• Coffee
• Tea
• Fruit juices
• Soda
• Balsamic vinegar
• Tomato sauce
• Curry
• Sports drinks
• Beetroot
• Berries

3. Report issues immediately

Having some problems like peri-implantitis after the dental implant procedure is common. To prevent possible complications, you need to know the symptoms of peri-implantitis. These include gum swelling, bad taste, swollen lymph nodes, and gum bleeding. Reporting your problems to your dentist in time can help you recover faster and allow your implants to heal properly.

4. Use floss daily

Flossing is an essential part of healthy teeth and gum. Did you know that only 16% of the U.S. population uses dental floss every day? With dental implants, flossing becomes more essential than ever. Plaque can easily form around your implants resulting in other oral problems.

5. Choose a qualified implant specialist

Choosing a highly-qualified dental implant specialist is the most important thing. Implants installed by a careless dentist can become infected or even damage nerves. If dental implants are inserted into the wrong position, this can result in failure.

6. Stick to proper dental hygiene

We all know that good dental hygiene can help maintain healthy and strong teeth and gums. What can hygiene do for your dental health?

1. Good oral health can lead to better physical well being.
2. Healthy teeth can improve self-esteem.
3. Good oral hygiene can prevent gum disease and tooth decay
4. A healthy mouth can reduce the risk of heart disease, strokes, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and diabetes.

Proper brushing and flossing along with regular dental visits can help you keep your smile healthy for a long time. It's also important to undergo professional cleanings twice a year.

7. Visit your dentist regularly

Dental implants aren't real teeth but it doesn't mean you don't need to visit your dentist regularly. Dental appointments are necessary. Your dentist will check the condition of your gums and implants. A dental specialist will perform preventive and restorative care when necessary. Remember that regular dental visits are also important for your dental health.