Do Dental Implants Last Forever?

A dental implant provides a natural-looking replacement for a lost tooth. Dental implants are also popular because they feel and function like natural teeth. Unlike other tooth-replacement alternatives, implants do not click or slip when you talk, eat, or laugh. Implants are generally ideal because these dental devices provide a long-lasting effective solution for replacing teeth.

Caring for a dental implant

A dental implant is a post that is often made of titanium. It usually acts as a substitute or replacement for the tooth root. An attachment referred to as an abutment, connects the implant to the replacement tooth. Finally, a dental crown, a replacement tooth, is custom-made to match the natural teeth and completes the dental implant.

One of the main advantages of dental implants is that they are very durable. Implants often last for a very long time. But it is crucial for people to take proper care of them. Here are some ways to care for a dental implant in order to ensure it lasts.

Oral hygiene

Thorough cleaning and taking good care of the implant during all the different steps of the treatment is very important. Exercising good oral hygiene on a daily basis can ensure the long-term survival of the implant. A patient should be committed to brushing twice daily and flossing at least once every day. The use of interdental brushes is often encouraged. The brushes can easily slide between the teeth and can help clean difficult to reach areas around the dental implant.

Maintenance

Visiting the dental office for frequent checkups is equally as important. The dental team and the patient can decide on the frequency of these visits. But it is often recommended at intervals of three to six months. During these visits, depending on a patient’s situation and needs, the teeth and gums will be checked and cleaned professionally. This will include the areas that a patient cannot reach at home.

Cleaning of implants at the dental office is often more complex than cleaning teeth. This means it usually takes longer and may require specific instruments suited for the job. Diseases, like mucositis and peri-implantitis, can develop without any obvious signs and symptoms. These diseases do not often cause pain, so people may fail to notice when they are developing. This is another major reason regular checkups are beneficial.

Smoking

Smoking significantly increases the risk of implant-related issues. It usually weakens the bone structure and may contribute to the failure of a dental implant. Smoking often impacts the success of the recommended care. It is always advisable for a patient to try to quit smoking.

Bottom line

A majority of dental implants continue to function at peak performance after many years of service. Dental implants are very popular because implants have a very high success rate. But the long-term success of a dental implant depends on how a patient takes care of it. Practicing diligent oral hygiene and seeing the dentist periodically can make your implant last long. Not smoking can also be immensely beneficial.

Are you considering a dental implant in the Gainesville area? Get more information at https://gallodental.com.

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