Get The Most Out Of Your Dental Implant Investment

Having dental implants installed isn't just a sizeable investment in your dental health, it can also be a significant financial investment. Consequently, getting the longest use from your implants is important. Fortunately, dental implants are inherently designed to last for a long time. However, a bit of not so good news is that you can actually lower their lifespan. Make sure you know what to do to get the most out of your investment.

Fight Gum Disease

Some people minimize the importance of a good oral hygiene regimen once they have implants installed. After all, they aren't real teeth so why is it important to maintain good oral health? The main thing to remember is that good oral hygiene practices don't just keep your teeth healthy, but your entire mouth – including your gums. Failing to brush and floss regularly will only increase your risk of gum disease.

In the advanced stage, known as advanced periodontitis, the gum tissue actually starts to deteriorate. Since implants are partially supported by gum tissue, any deterioration can cause the implant to become dislodged and possibly fall out. Excessive plaque buildup is the primary cause for gum disease, so brush and floss regularly.

Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle

In addition to good oral health, it is equally important to maintain good overall health. There are a number of diseases and conditions that can have an adverse effect on the integrity of your implants. One area of concern is uncontrolled diabetes. When your blood sugar levels are not controlled, the glucose levels in your saliva increase. Increased glucose in the mouth will only feed the bacteria that already exist, creating the perfect stage for the development of rapid gum disease.

The more controlled the diabetes, the lesser the effect on the glucose levels. If you are diabetic, taking your medication as prescribed, following a healthy diet and regular exercise can all help control the disease. Tobacco use can also affect your health and your implants. Implant installation is a surgical procedure, meaning you will have an open wound. When you smoke after surgery, this introduces bacteria inside your mouth, increasing your infection risk. Infections can settle around the implant site and cause the implant to fail.  

While your provider will play a large role in the integrity of your implants, your efforts are equally important. Make sure you are working towards getting the most out of your dental implants.

Visit a website like http://www.kcgordondental.com to learn more.

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