Whether you are planning to get a dental implant or you already have one, there are some steps you can take to increase your chances of success. Brush your teeth twice a day. Dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice a day to remove plaque and keep your teeth healthy. This also applies to your dental implant. Avoid smoking and tobacco products. Smoking and the use of tobacco has been linked to dental implant failure, as well as gum disease and other oral health conditions. Protect your implant from damage. If you play sports or do strenuous recreational activities, you may want to wear a mouth guard to protect your dental implant and your natural teeth. This also applies if you grind your teeth. Take steps to preserve your bone health. If regular health screenings reveal that you suffer from bone loss, you should take the necessary steps to preserve your bone density. Whether your doctor recommends medication or nutritional supplements, preserving your overall bone health will also affect your jaw bone.