Dental implants are a modern miracle of dentistry, providing a permanent solution to tooth loss. However, as with any dental treatment, you want to ensure that you do everything you can to maximize the longevity of your dental implants.
This article will discuss some tips for making sure your dental implants last for many years to come. By following these tips, you can ensure that your dental implants remain healthy and strong for as long as possible. From avoiding certain foods to regularly visiting your dentist, these tips will help you retain the benefits of your dental implants.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial roots that are placed in your jawbone to support an artificial tooth. They are a treatment for tooth loss that has been available for decades, and they are often the best solution for people who need to replace one or more missing teeth.
Dental implants are permanent fixtures in your mouth that can last for many years—even a lifetime—without requiring any additional procedures. Dental implants are made from titanium, a biocompatible metal that is very similar to the properties of your natural teeth. Titanium is a metal that can be found in your blood, your bones, and even your hair—meaning it is very easy to integrate it into your system. While the metal itself is not a perfect substance, dental implants are made in such a way that they are safe and effective.
Dental implants provide several benefits:
- They look natural and can improve the aesthetics of your smile.
- They help you eat more comfortably and effectively, thanks to the way they mount a false tooth in your gums.
- Unlike dentures, dental implants are fully integrated into your mouth and jawbone, making them much more secure and durable.
- Dental implants are just as important to maintain as your natural teeth
- They are also very cost-effective over the long term.
Factors That Affect The Longevity of Dental Implants
There are a few factors that can affect the longevity of your dental implants. Your health—including your immune health—is a crucial factor in determining the longevity of your dental implants. If you have certain health conditions or take certain medications, your dental implants may not last as long as they would for someone without these conditions.
On average, dental implants have a success rate of 95% to 98% over a period of 10 to 20 years.
Other factors that affect the longevity of your dental implants are your oral hygiene, the foods you eat, the frequency of your dental hygiene habits, and the frequency and level of your dental hygiene habits.
If you want your dental implants to last as long as possible, it is important to make sure you are visiting your dentist regularly and receiving regular dental exams. Your dentist can examine your dental implants and other oral health issues to make sure everything is going well. During these exams, your dentist can also detect any potential issues or problems in the early stages and take action before any damage is done.
Avoiding Certain Foods
If you are getting dental implants, it is important to avoid certain foods.
Chewing on hard or crunchy foods can put stress on your dental implants and cause them to weaken and break over time. It is best to avoid very chewy or hard foods in the first year after getting dental implants. Food items that should be avoided include:
- Nuts
- Corn kernels
- Hard candies
- Ice cubes
Keeping up with Dental Hygiene
Your dental hygiene habits can significantly affect the longevity of your dental implants. Poor oral hygiene habits—such as not flossing regularly and brushing too aggressively—can lead to gum disease.
When the gums are infected or inflamed, they are less capable of supporting the dental implants. It is important to keep up with your dental hygiene habits in order to prevent gum disease, which can lead to serious issues, including the loss of your dental implants.
If you have dental implants, you want to avoid too much scrubbing around and under your new teeth. This can cause irritation to the gums and lead to gingivitis and/or periodontitis. Gums and other soft tissues around your dental implants need to be treated with care and gentleness, so it is important to avoid scrubbing too much in that area.
It is also crucial to continue seeing your dental hygienists for regular cleanings. Taking good care of your dental hygiene is a very important step towards keeping your implants intact and making sure they last as long as possible.
Taking Preventive Measures
While dental implants are a very effective and reliable solution for tooth loss, it is important to take preventive measures as well.
If possible, avoid situations that may potentially lead to tooth loss. If you are engaging in sports or other activities that may lead to tooth loss, wear a protective mouthguard. A mouthguard can help protect your teeth from getting knocked out if you get hit in the face or hit another player.
You also want to brush and floss regularly and use mouthwash to prevent bacteria and other harmful substances from building up in your mouth and on your teeth. If you have dental implants, avoid grinding your teeth. Grinding your teeth can put a lot of stress on your dental implants, which can lead to damage. You also want to avoid clenching your teeth, which can stress your dental implants.
Dental Implants in West Milford, NJ
If you have dental implants, then regular dental exams are vital to their longevity. Not only will the dentist check your gums and teeth to ensure everything is okay, but it’s also a good opportunity to catch any potential issues in the early stages.
Dental implants are a reliable and effective treatment for tooth loss, but they can only last for as long as you take care of them. By following these tips, you can ensure that your dental implants last for many years to come.
To learn more about dental implants and to schedule an appointment, contact us today at 973-728-3779 .