Dental implants are now the most popular treatment to replace a missing teeth and are the closest possible restoration to having your natural teeth back.
Dental implants are designed to be a permanent solution to tooth loss and they can last between 20 and 30 years. However, their lifespan depends entirely on how well you look after your teeth and your oral hygiene.
In this month’s blog we have some top tips to keep your dental implants looking their best
1. Good oral hygiene
Although the titanium screw and the ceramic crown on top are resistant to decay, the teeth and gums surrounding the dental implant are not. This is why very good oral hygiene is essential.
To ensure your dental implants functionality and longevity, they need to be looked after just as a natural tooth would, which means daily cleaning and flossing. You should brush with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day for at least two minutes and clean interdentally daily.
2. Lifestyle Choices
Lifestyle choices such as excessive smoking and heavy drinking can have a dramatic effect on how long your dental implants last.
3. Injury or Damage
Sometimes, dental implants have a limited lifespan due to circumstances that are beyond your control. While dental implants are a permanent treatment option, the ceramic crowns are not indestructible. If you use your teeth as tools to open things like bottles or plastic packaging, you are not only risking damage to your dental implant but also your gums and your natural teeth as well.
4. Medical Conditions
Certain pre-existing medical conditions can also affect how long dental implants last. For example, conditions such as diabetes or a weakened immune system can impact on the effectiveness of your treatment and also how long your dental implants will last before they need to be replaced. Both diabetes and a compromised immune system can make you more susceptible to infections and can cause your body to take longer to recover and heal.
5. Regular dental appointments
It is important that you attend for your routine dental and hygiene appointments to keep your dental implant looking its best. Just because your teeth are artificial does not mean that you shouldn’t attend regular dental check-ups. During these appointments, not only will your dentist assess your oral health, but they will also be able to check for any issues with your dental implants. Cracks or damage to the crown can be identified quickly, and your dentist will discuss with you the best way to fix any issues.
Regular hygiene appointments will also help to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible, ensuring that your dental implants last as long as possible. During your hygiene appointments, you will be shown how to properly care for and clean your natural teeth and your dental implants.
