Three Commitments You Need To Be Willing To Make For Dental Implant Success

Are you thinking about getting dental implants? If so, your interest is likely linked to the semi-permanency that can generally be expected from this dental procedure. The following represent some key commitments you need to make for this dental treatment to be successful.

Commitment to stop or reduce smoking.

You will likely have to submit information to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. Part of this history may include the disclosure about whether or not you smoke. Some dentists, such as Gordon Dental, may advise potential clients to cease smoking altogether, and others may advise them not to smoke during healing if they go through with the procedure. These are serious recommendations because smoking may lead to dental implant failure and gum inflammation. 

Commitment to good oral hygiene.

Some people fail to realize that practicing good oral hygiene is an important part of protecting them against dental implant failure. Perhaps this misunderstanding is because dental implants are prosthetic teeth. One way to better understand the importance of good oral hygiene with dental implants is to remember that your remaining natural teeth still need to be cared for to prevent decay and other oral issues such as gum disease. This means that flossing and brushing are both needed for prosthetic and natural teeth. Your dental implants are not prone to decay, but they can be the perfect breeding ground for bacteria which may decay nearby natural teeth. 

Commitment to follow special instructions given for dental implant care.

If you are a good candidate for dental implants, your dentist may give you special instructions that apply to your dental health. These may be given for the first year only, or it may become a matter of lifestyle. For example, your dentist may recommend that you have dental cleanings performed more frequently in the first year. These instructions may be given to thwart gum disease, and depending on the construction of your teeth and other risks, you may have to have lifelong cleanings more frequently than someone who does not have dental implants. 

With proper dental care and a commitment to following the instructions given to you by your cosmetic dentist, you can improve your odds for dental implant success. If there are commitments that you are not willing to make, this should be discussed with your dentist prior to the procedure. Another dental prosthetic such as a bridge might be recommended instead.