Oral Health is Key to Implant Success
Dental implants are one of the most effective and long-lasting solutions for replacing missing teeth—whether you’re missing a single tooth or several. Designed to function like your natural teeth, implants offer unmatched stability, aesthetics, and durability. When properly placed and maintained, they can last a lifetime, fully restoring your smile’s appearance and functionality.
At Dr. Kim’s dental practice in Lakewood, WA (Pierce County), we take a comprehensive approach to implant dentistry. We ensure your oral environment—whether it includes natural teeth, artificial teeth, or both—is healthy and ready to support the long-term success of your implants.
If you’re considering dental implants or already have them, maintaining excellent oral hygiene is essential. Our team emphasizes personalized care and education to help you protect your investment and enjoy a confident, functional smile for years to come.
Why Oral Health Matters for Implant Success
Dental implant procedures, including surgery and the placement of crowns, bridges, or dentures, provide a long-lasting and stable solution for missing teeth. Dental implants are anchored into the jawbone, and their stability depends on the health of the surrounding tissues.
Poor oral hygiene can cause gum disease (periodontitis), which weakens the bone and gums supporting the implant. If left untreated, gum disease can compromise the implant’s integrity, leading to failure—regardless of the surgical procedure’s success.
Another significant risk is peri-implantitis, an inflammatory condition similar to gum disease but specific to implants. It causes the breakdown of the bone and tissue around the implant, often due to plaque buildup, smoking, or inadequate oral care. Peri-implantitis is one of the leading causes of implant failure, and the good news is that it’s entirely preventable with proper hygiene and regular professional maintenance—especially important after receiving a crown, bridge, or denture supported by implants.
Daily Habits That Protect Your Implants
Whether you already have dental implants or are planning to get them, establishing a consistent oral hygiene routine is essential—especially if you have restorations such as crowns, bridges, or removable dentures attached to the implant. Keeping the area clean is critical, regardless of the type of restoration your implant requires.
This includes:
- Brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove plaque
- Flossing daily (or using an interdental brush or water flosser) to clean between teeth and around implants
- Using an antimicrobial mouth rinse to reduce bacteria levels
- Attending regular dental appointments for cleanings and checkups
Professional cleanings are especially important for patients with implants. Your dentist can remove plaque and tartar in hard-to-reach areas, assess the health of your gums, and catch early signs of issues like peri-implantitis—whether your restoration is a fixed crown or a removable denture attached to the implant.
Lifestyle Factors That Influence Implant Longevity
Beyond oral hygiene, lifestyle habits also play a significant role in how well your implants hold up over time. Smoking, for example, significantly reduces blood flow to the gums, impairing healing and increasing the risk of infection. Poor nutrition, excessive alcohol use, and teeth grinding (bruxism) can also negatively impact implant stability—regardless of the type of implant or tooth replacement solution you receive.
In some cases, a bone graft may be necessary before implant placement to ensure a strong foundation, especially if bone loss has occurred due to missing teeth or gum disease. Even after a successful graft and implant procedure, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to long-term success.
At your dental appointment with Dr. Kim, we’ll assess not just your teeth and gums but also your lifestyle habits, bone structure, and medical history to develop a customized treatment and maintenance plan—whether you need a single implant or a full arch tooth replacement solution.
Prevention Starts With a Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment
If you’re debating getting dental implants or want to ensure the long-term success of existing ones, it all starts with a thorough oral health evaluation. At our Lakewood office, Dr. Kim uses advanced diagnostic tools to assess the condition of your teeth, gums, and jawbone—ensuring you’re a good candidate for implants and have the proper foundation for a lasting smile. In some cases, we may recommend a bone substitute to strengthen the jawbone before placing the implant.
Dental implants function as a replacement for the tooth root, providing a stable base for an artificial tooth, whether it’s a crown, bridge, or denture. Each case is unique, which is why Dr. Kim and, when necessary, a skilled oral surgeon will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Protect Your Dental Implants with Preventive Care and Personalized Support
Even if you’re not currently experiencing issues, scheduling a regular checkup can prevent complications in the future. We believe that prevention is the most effective form of care, particularly when it comes to safeguarding your investment in dental implants. Our team can also walk you through your insurance benefits and financing options to help you understand what covers the cost of your treatment.
Ready to take control of your oral health? Book a comprehensive oral health assessment with Dr. Kim, your trusted Lakewood dentist. Whether you’re exploring dental implants or maintaining your current ones, we’re here to help you smile with confidence!