Dental implants are the ideal form of tooth replacement because they look, work, and feel just like the real thing. These devices boast a remarkable success rate of 95% even ten years after being placed, and they can last for several decades or even a lifetime if they receive excellent care. However, some common habits can compromise your implants and set them up for early failure if you do them too soon after your placement surgery. Here are a few things you should avoid doing after receiving dental implants.
Smoke Is for Spare Ribs, not Dental Implants
Tobacco use is horrible for your oral health even if you haven’t recently undergone mouth surgery, but it can be especially destructive if you have just received dental implants. The success of your implants depends largely on their ability to integrate with your jaw structure through the natural process of osseointegration, and exposure to tobacco smoke can weaken your gums’ defenses and set them up for infections that erode your jawbone.
Dentists recommended refraining from smoking for a few weeks before and a few months after receiving dental implants, but it’s ideal to kick the habit altogether. Tobacco habits are strongly associated with implant failure.
Wait a While Before Enjoying Your Celebratory Cocktail
Having a complete smile again is certainly something to celebrate, but consuming alcohol can inhibit your body’s ability to heal and fight infections such as gum disease. Alcohol is also acidic, which means that it can irritate gums that are healing after surgery, leading to inflammation and making infection more likely. It’s best to wait until your implants have healed before enjoying your favorite brew, wine, or cocktail.
Save Strenuous Exercise for a Few Days Later
Regular intense exercise is great for your oral and overall health. However, the stress of a heavy workout can interfere with your gums’ ability to heal and fight infection after dental implant surgery. It’s best to wait a few days after receiving dental implants before engaging in rigorous cardio exercise or strength training. Your dentist will be able to give you a precise timeframe for when you will be clear to enjoy a vigorous workout after surgery.
Your dental implants represent an investment in your appearance, confidence, and health. Adhering to your dentist’s postoperative instructions is one of the best ways to ensure that your devices stay in great shape for years.
About the Author
A. Faris Waheed earned his dental degree at the prestigious Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and has completed several post-graduate courses on subjects like dental implants and root canal therapy. He is a proud member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. His office in Jacksonville offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implant services. To learn more about aftercare for dental implants, contact his office online or dial (850) 890-7990.