Dental implants offer a durable and safe way to replace missing teeth and give you a new smile. They act like natural teeth in many ways and allow you to chew and speak more naturally than dentures. As the only permanent option, implants are an excellent choice for tooth replacement. In addition, dental implants do not require extensive maintenance. Unlike artificial teeth such as dentures, which involve special care and cleaning routines, dental implants only require brushing, flossing, and regular checkups. Avoid dental implant problems by following basic oral hygiene habits, not smoking, and taking preventive measures of your dentist's concerns. Tips to increase the lifespan of dental implants Your dental implant dentist will help you keep your mouth healthy, but daily implant maintenance is up to you to do at home. Here's what you can do to make sure your implants and replacement teeth last. ### care after surgery Immediately after implant surgery, we recommend that you avoid eating any solid foods that could damage your implant during the healing period. A soft diet is recommended for seven days, and special care should be taken for up to 12 weeks after surgery. ### Flossing and brushing Just like your natural teeth, the long-term health of dental implants depends on how well they are cared for. The great thing about implants is that you can take care of them just like the rest of your teeth with regular brushing and flossing. This cleaning will help you prevent plaque build-up and should be done at least twice a day. Pay special attention to areas like the sides of your implant, as this is where food and plaque often build up. ### Lifestyle Choices The durability of your implants depends not only on the maintenance of your teeth, but also on your lifestyle choices in general. One of the main factors that can cause problems with your dental implants (and overall oral health) is smoking. This is something your dentist may consider when evaluating your eligibility for implants at your initial consultation. ### Maintaining a healthy mouth The oral cavity is not separate from the rest of your body. It is a misconception that if systemic health and general well-being are compromised, your oral health and dental implants will not be affected. Your body functions as a complete system, and you should take care of your number one asset accordingly. If you want to maximize the health of your dental implant, make sure you stay healthy and take care of yourself. ### Interdental brushes Make sure you include interdental brushing as part of your dental implant maintenance routine. These small brushes can be used to remove food particles and plaque from around the implants to reduce the risk of gum disease. ### mouthwash Along with regular brushing and flossing, an antimicrobial mouthwash will help reduce and eliminate bacteria that accumulate around the dental implant. ### regular dental visit Commit to regular dental checkups and hygienist appointments. This helps your dentist monitor the progress of your implants while giving your replacement teeth the professional cleaning they need. ### Listen to your dentist Most importantly, listen to your dentist's advice on how to care for your dental implants. Whether it's avoiding certain foods during the healing process or following a specific cleaning routine, it's important to follow your dentist's advice if you want to keep your implants as long as possible. ### Dangerous factors for implants Certain pre-existing conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, vulnerability to gum disease or smoking can affect the health of dental implants in terms of success, complications and longevity. So, when it comes to dental implants, start by choosing the right dentist. Then, by maintaining good oral hygiene and caring for your dental implants as you would your natural teeth, you'll get the most out of your implant, which could potentially mean a lifetime. ### The importance of a dental specialist As with all dental surgery procedures, the competence, expertise and experience of the performing dentist are important to ensure successful dental implant placement and minimize the risk of failure. A dental prosthodontist is a highly skilled dental specialist who can provide you with a favorable and long-term result. #### What happens if I don't take care of my dental implants? Implants can cause problems without constant daily care. The first sign of the problem starts with the observation of bleeding. This is known as mucositis. Current scientific evidence suggests that this may be successfully treated and reversible if detected early. Unfortunately, if it progresses to bone loss, also known as peri-implantitis, the bone loss cannot be reversed. If left untreated, peri-implantitis can lead to advanced bone loss and implant removal. #### What should my dentist check at each visit? To accurately assess implant health, dentists and hygienists should examine and measure the gums around the implant as they would around the teeth, review and compare x-rays annually, check for laxity, check the bite, and check all existing components. It is attached to the implants to ensure their proper functioning.