If you’re ready to replace your lost teeth with dental implants, you’re making a great decision. A dental implant is the only treatment to recreate both the root and the crown, providing unmatched benefits not possible using any other method. Your new tooth will look and feel natural, so you don’t have to avoid certain foods anymore. However, your diet can affect the lifespan of your new smile. Find out how a healthy diet can make your dental implant last for decades.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants have over a 95% success rate and are proven to last for 30 years or more with the correct care. Many factors affect their life expectancy, including:
- Oral Hygiene
- Lifestyle Habits
- Regular Dental Care
- Materials
- Diet
Foods to Avoid with Dental Implants
Dental implants restore 70% of your biting force, so you can eat anything. However, it’s best to choose nutritious foods to keep your mouth and body healthy to prevent dental implant failure. Here are a few foods your dentist will recommend avoiding to protect your investment:
- Sugars and Starches: Dental implants can’t get cavities, but any remaining teeth are still vulnerable to decay. Limit sugars and starches, which feed harmful oral bacteria that can affect your dental health.
- Hard or Crunchy Foods: It’s possible to eat hard and crunchy foods with dental implants, but it can put excessive wear and tear on your new smile. It’s better to limit how often you have hard foods, especially immediately after your placement surgery.
- Sticky or Chewy Foods: Sticky and chewy foods can leave a lot of residue in your mouth that can encourage oral bacteria growth. Not to mention, they also put a lot of strain on your dental implants. If you can’t resist a juicy steak, cut it into small pieces to make it easier to chew.
- Alcohol: Alcohol affects your body’s ability to heal and fight infections. You can have an increased risk of dental implant failure if you consume a lot of alcohol.
Get the Most from Your Dental Implants
You will never have to worry about gaps in your smile again by giving your mouth the attention it needs. Besides watching what you eat, commit to brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily. Visit your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. Your dazzling smile will last for a lifetime with the correct habits.
About Dr. Tristan J. Parry
Dr. Parry earned his dental degree at Ohio State University and has pursued continuing education in mini periodontics and mini pedodontics. He regularly continues his training in various specialties, including dental implants, sedation dentistry, and orthodontics. Request an appointment through his website or call (336) 490-5609.