Properly emplaced dental implants in Reston can last as long as a lifetime with reasonable care. Like all forms of medical or dental therapy however, they can sometimes fail. On the rare occasions that this occurs, impacted food may be a contributing factor. The best way to avoid this problem is by regular brushing, flossing, and appointments with your implant dentist in Reston.
WHEN GOOD FOOD GOES BAD
Your teeth and gums are both practical tools and elegant works of art. They not only help you to enjoy your favorite foods, they enable you to speak clearly and charm the world with your smile. But they’re also vulnerable to cavity-causing bacteria. Keeping these microscopic invaders at bay takes knowing a little bit about them. Here’s what we mean:
- Tooth decay germs are like any form of life on earth: they must eat to survive. Their preferred diet is sugar and simple carbs. They scavenge these nutrients from food particles in your mouth left over from meals.
- Brushing alone cannot remove all of this leftover food: flossing is essential as well. Unfortunately, most of us fail to floss as often as we should. Once a day is the rule of thumb, although more often is better.
- Built-up food can cause impacted teeth, a harmful condition: not only can accumulated food promote tooth decay, it can also put pressure on both your natural teeth and any implants you may have. This can lead to tooth loss or, in some cases, implant failure.
HOW TO PREVENT IMPACTED FOOD FROM IMPACTING YOUR ORAL HEALTH
The good news is that impacted food is a very treatable condition. Besides flossing at home, you can also see your dentist for regular exams. While you’re there, you may want to ask about a professional flossing, a service offered by many dentists. This is sometimes used alongside anti-cavity gel treatments. Other times a root scaling and planing, also known as a “dental deep cleaning,” is the best approach.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR IMPLANTS ARE ALREADY BEGINNING TO FAIL
The first thing you should do is see your implant dentist in Reston right away. He or she will verify whether your implants are in trouble and, if so, what is causing the problem. In some cases it may be possible to save the implant from failure, possibly by cleaning the area around the restoration and re-implanting or replacing it.
It’s important to remember that implants, like natural teeth, rely on the bones beneath your gum line for support. If those bones begin to weaken, then both tooth loss and implant failure are likely to occur. This is one reason why it’s important to eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet rich in things like protein, healthy unsaturated fat, and vitamins. Your body uses these as the raw materials with which to keep your teeth and bones strong and healthy.
Your dentist is your best source of information on this topic. Remember to address any concerns you may have to him or her during your next appointment. With regular care, you can keep your smile looking its best for many years to come.
