The decision to get full-arch or full mouth dental implants can have positive and long-lasting ramifications for your confidence, comfort, overall well-being, and quality of life. At Doctors Implants, we are privileged to see and hear about the incredible difference implants make in the lives of our patients every single day!
That being said, dental implants represent a major investment both financially and in terms of time and energy. Once you’ve received them, you’ll want to ensure that they remain in optimal condition as a truly permanent solution in every possible way.
Fortunately, it’s relatively straightforward to maintain the functional and aesthetic integrity of your full-arch or full mouth dental implants. As long as you commit to the best practices recommended by our leading team of doctors, you should be able to prolong the life of your dental implants for many years to come.
What exactly does excellent dental implant care involve? Let’s take a closer look:
Be Mindful of the Recovery and Healing Process
A full mouth dental implant procedure is something you’ll need to prepare for. As with any surgery, knowing what to expect is key and will help smooth and expedite the recovery and healing process. This, in turn, will contribute to better long-term outcomes.
At Doctors Implants, patient education is a priority, and we make every effort to ensure that you are comprehensively supported throughout the entirety of the implant process. With an implant success rate greater than 99%, we’re confident in our ability to transform your smile and encourage you to ask questions at any time.
Follow Aftercare Instructions Closely
Your Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon will provide you with clear instructions post-surgery, and following them closely is imperative. The days and weeks immediately after the 6 Hour Smile procedure lay the foundation for strong and healthy lifelong implants and are also critical for establishing excellent oral hygiene routines.
You can drastically reduce the odds of implant failure after surgery by adhering to dietary restrictions, keeping your new implants sparkling, and foregrounding healthy lifestyle choices. Have questions or require clarifications along the way? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our dedicated and knowledgeable team at any moment.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking can dramatically increase your likelihood of dental implant complications and contribute to a sub-optimal recovery experience. It can also shorten the life of your full mouth dental implants.
Tobacco usage is associated with higher rates of bacterial infection post-surgery and also reduces peripheral blood flow, meaning that your healing oral tissues will receive less oxygen. In addition, smoke can damage the bone and tissue surrounding your dental implant sites and negatively impact your healing time and the overall success of your implants.
Practice Proper Oral Hygiene
Full mouth dental implants look and function just like natural teeth. And, like natural teeth, they also require ongoing care and maintenance. Practicing proper oral hygiene every day is one of the most essential ways to increase implant longevity. In practical terms, here’s what that means:
- Brush your implants twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive gel toothpaste.
- Also, use a Waterpik to clean between your prosthetic teeth whenever you brush.
The combination of these two practices keeps plaque at bay and effectively reduces your chances of developing periodontal disease (gum disease), which can negatively impact your implants as well as your overall health and comfort.
Be Conscious of Your Diet
A healthy, balanced diet is great for your whole body—implants included. Consuming lean meats, whole grains, and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables support the maintenance of healthy gums and contribute to stronger bones—including your jawbone!
Stay Hydrated
Like maintaining healthy nutrition, staying hydrated is another all-around beneficial lifestyle choice. Avoid sugary, caffeinated, or alcoholic beverages, and opt instead for fresh water that will keep you energized, reduce aches, pains, and digestive problems. Drinking water will also enhance your mental clarity and help flush out toxins during your recovery process.
Maintain Systemic Health in Addition to Your Oral Health
Your oral health doesn’t exist in isolation, so be sure to take care of your whole self as you adjust to life with full mouth dental implants. Here are a few suggestions:
- Get enough sleep (8 hours per night is ideal).
- Exercise regularly.
- Foreground your mental health with mindfulness, meditation, or relaxation practices.
- Properly treat and manage systemic health conditions.
- Avoid teeth grinding (consider a night guard to minimize the impacts of this habit on your new artificial teeth).
Attend Maintenance Appointments at Doctors Implants
Full mouth dental implants provide you with a new lease on your oral health, but like any precious investment, they require continual maintenance and care. Attend scheduled appointments at Doctors Implants as advised by our experienced team to receive the following benefits:
- Professional cleanings
- Early detection (and resolution) of any potential issues
- Implant adjustments (while rarely necessary, professional adjustments can increase the comfort, function, and longevity of your implants)
- Early identification of any periodontal (gum) issues that may negatively impact your implants
If you have any discomfort or concerns related to your full mouth dental implants, be proactive about getting them resolved. You don’t have to wait for a routine appointment to get your implants looked at. Call the Doctors Implants team any time to receive world-class care you can completely rely on.
Contact Doctors Implants for Expert Dental Implant Advice
At Doctors Implants, we know that receiving full-arch or full mouth dental implants is a journey, and we’re by your side every step of the way. Whether you’re scheduling your first free consultation, have already been enjoying the benefits of your new smile for many years, or are in the midst of the recovery process following your 6 Hour Smile, our patient-focused approach guarantees that you’ll never feel alone. We want you to achieve superior, long-lasting results, and we’re ready to collaborate with you to make that dream a reality. For more information about how long dental implants last or for any other questions related to full mouth dental implants or our proprietary 6 Hour Smile, reach out to us at Doctors Implants today! We look forward to hearing from you.
