Many experts consider dental implants the most reliable way to rebuild your smile after tooth loss. They’re the only replacements that are embedded in your jawbone to function more like a natural tooth.
Although they’re usually stronger and longer-lasting than dentures or bridges, that doesn’t mean they’re invincible. You might accidentally harm them if you don’t care for them properly, especially immediately following your surgical procedure. Continue reading to learn about 3 habits you might have that can damage your new teeth!
Habit #1: Eating Hard Foods
One of the many advantages of choosing dental implants over the alternatives is that there are usually fewer dietary restrictions. Once your jawbone fuses with the titanium rod, it essentially becomes a permanent part of your mouth, so you can enjoy your favorite meals without worrying it will become destabilized or dislodged.
However, it’s normal to develop aches and inflammation for several days following your implant placement procedure. It’s usually recommended that patients avoid eating overly hard, crunchy, hot, or spicy foods that could trigger a painful reaction in their already tender teeth and gums. You can usually safely fill up on softer, wholesome options like scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, applesauce, or avocados instead.
Habit #2: Drinking Alcohol
Do you look forward to enjoying a glass of wine while cooking dinner, or sipping a cold beer when you get home from work? It’s understandable to want to indulge after your implant appointment, but unfortunately, alcohol can significantly increase the likelihood that it will fail.
This is partly because alcohol dehydrates your body and suppresses your immune system, increasing your vulnerability to infection after oral surgery. It’s best to avoid drinking it for at least 72 hours after your surgery to give your mouth the time it needs to mend effectively.
Habit #3: Using Tobacco
If you’re like approximately 49 million Americans, you regularly smoke cigarettes, vapes, or chew tobacco. These products all contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance that also functions as a vasoconstrictor. It reduces your blood oxygen levels and flow, rendering your body unable to deliver essential nutrients and infection-fighting cells to your mouth.
If you use tobacco products during implant recovery, your jawbone might not generate enough new bone material to successfully fuse with your restoration through a process known as osseointegration. Because of this, some meta-analyses indicate that smokers are at a 140% higher risk of experiencing implant failure.
Your dentist will provide a comprehensive list of post-op instructions for you to follow to help you heal quickly while avoiding potential adverse effects following your procedure!
About the Practice
At Texas Dental Surgery, patients benefit from two highly-trained experts eager to help improve their lives by enhancing their dental health. Dr. Walker, a board-certified periodontist, and Dr. Houari, a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, collaborate to provide various surgical services and procedures to treat even the most complex cases. Their caring and compassionate approach combines with advanced technology to help you feel comfortable while they deliver accurate, long-lasting results. If you are interested in dental implants, you can request a consultation on the website or call (469) 296-8680.