Two Easy Things You Can Do To Improve Integration Of The Implant Into The Bone
One cause of dental implant failure is the inability of the titanium posts to integrate with the bone. There are many reasons why this may occur, including insufficient bone growth, inadequate bone density, and infection. If you've already had one implant fail due to ossteointegration issues, your dentist likely has already suggested solutions to fix the problem, such as getting a bone graph to increase bone density. However, here are two easy things you can do to improve the chances of the post successfully taking root in your jaw the next time you attempt to get dental implants.
Eat Bone-Building Foods
One of the easiest things you can do to support implant integration is to change your diet to include foods that help build bones and promote good bone health. At the top of your grocery list should be foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin D. Calcium is needed to help build healthy bones and teeth and improve bone density while vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium, among other things.
Good sources of calcium include milk, cheese, yogurt, green leafy vegetables, and broccoli. The best source of vitamin D is natural sunlight. However, you can also get it from salmon, orange juice, and fortified cereals.
You may also want to include foods that are rich in potassium such as bananas and sweet potatoes. While potassium doesn't directly affect bone growth, the substance has been shown to neutralize acids that leech calcium from bones and teeth.
If you are not able to include these foods in your diet, talk to your healthcare provider about supplements you can take that may help you get these beneficial nutrients.
Avoid Bone-Busting Habits
The other end of the equation is to reduce or eliminate habits that have a negative impact on your bone and tooth health. One major culprit is smoking. The nicotine in cigarettes is a vasodilator that causes the veins to constrict, reducing blood flow and leading to poor circulation. This, in turn, makes it difficult for the bones to get the nutrients they need to flourish, and your jaw bone may fail to integrate the titanium post as a result.
Consumption of certain types of soda and caffeinated drinks is another habit you may want to cut out for awhile. Caffeine can interfere with the absorption of calcium, while there is concern that certain types of soda may be providing the body with excessive amounts of phosphorus acid that could also interfere with calcium absorption. This may lead to bone loss and make it more difficult for osseointegration to occur.
These simple changes can improve your chances of successfully getting dental implants. Talk to a dentist, such as those at Dental Services Of Rochester, for more information about these and other treatment options.