Reviewed By Dr. Jeffery Kesecker, DDS
Reading Time: 3 minutes
If you are considering dental implants but struggle to maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine, there are some important things to know before moving forward. While implants can be a reliable way to replace missing teeth, they require daily care and regular checkups to stay healthy.
This blog will explain what dental implants need to succeed, the risks of neglect, and whether they are the right choice for you at this time.
Legacy Surgery offers dental implants in Harrisonburg and Staunton, VA.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Dental implants can be an excellent long-term solution for missing teeth, but they require daily oral hygiene and regular checkups to stay healthy. If you are ready to improve your habits, implants may be a good fit. If not, there are other effective options to restore your smile.
Dental Implants Are Not “Set and Forget”
Dental implants function like natural teeth, but they are not immune to problems. While the titanium post cannot decay, the bone and gum tissue around it can still become infected. This condition is called peri-implantitis. Like gum disease, it damages the bone and gum supporting the implant, leading to pain, loosening, and even implant failure.
Neglecting daily oral hygiene can lead to:
- Gum infection around the implant
- Loss of bone support
- Need for implant removal or replacement
Without consistent care, a dental implant is likely to fail over time.
Be Honest With Yourself, Will Your Habits Change?
Before you commit to dental implant surgery, ask yourself:
- Do you brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day, or do you often skip?
- Do you use proper brushing technique?
- Do you schedule dental checkups every six months, or only go when something hurts?
- Are you willing to add extra steps like using a water flosser or antimicrobial rinse to protect your implant?
- Are you prepared to take care of your mouth every day, or are you hoping implants will be low-maintenance?
If your honest answer is that your habits are unlikely to change, it may be better to wait. Dental implants require daily care and regular follow-up to stay healthy long-term.
Learn About Dental Implant Maintenance And Care.
The Cost of Neglect
Failing to care for a dental implant can lead to serious problems, including:
- Loss of the implant, sometimes requiring additional surgery to replace it
- Infections and bone loss around the implant site
- Higher costs for repairs or complete restoration
Beyond the expense, neglect can also limit your future options. If infection causes significant bone loss, you may no longer be a candidate for implants later on, even if you decide you are ready to improve your oral care.
What Are Your Alternatives?
If dental implants are not the right fit for you right now, there are still effective ways to restore your smile:
- Removable dentures: These replace missing teeth and are easier to clean if daily brushing and flossing are difficult.
- Dental bridges: Bridges can fill gaps if the surrounding teeth and gums are healthy enough to support them.
- Delaying treatment: You may choose to wait on implants while you build healthier habits or complete other dental care to prepare your mouth for the future.
If you have already experienced bone loss, your oral surgeon can also discuss treatments like bone grafting to rebuild support. Even if implants are not an immediate option, they could be possible later with the right preparation.
If You Want to Improve, Support Is Available
If reading this made you realize you are ready to step up your oral care, you are already on the right track. Plenty of people have turned their hygiene around and become excellent implant candidates. You can too.
Our team can help you with:
- Customized hygiene plans and clear instructions for daily care
- Deep cleanings or gum treatments to create a healthy foundation
- A step-by-step treatment approach that allows time to improve oral health before implant placement
Book a Dental Implant Consultation in Staunton, VA
Not sure if dental implants are right for you? Schedule a consultation at Legacy Surgery. We will assess your oral health, discuss your current hygiene routine, and help you decide whether you are ready for implants or build a step-by-step plan to get you there.
To book an appointment at our oral surgery office in Staunton, call (540) 213-8750 or visit us at 110-C Mactanly Pl., Staunton, VA 24401.
📍Other location
Legacy Surgery Harrisonburg, VA
(540) 437-1230