Dental implants are an extensive solution for the replacement of missing teeth. They provide anchorage to the dental prosthesis such as an artificial crown or dentures. They are screw-like structures that are fixed into the jaw bone on top of which the tooth is placed. The tooth will appear and feel the same as the actual tooth making this a more comfortable teeth replacement solution as compared to dentures and bridges. It is a long term tooth replacement method with a life span of even 25 years. This is however achievable with proper installation and care. Here are some tips to help you increase the longevity of your dental implants.
Get a Qualified Dental Surgeon
The installation process will highly contribute to the longevity of your dental implants. You should, therefore, look for a reputable dental surgeon who is highly skilled and experienced in implant surgeries. This is because they will be able to do the placement perfectly and ensure that the jawbone and the implant are fully joined.
They will also do a thorough assessment to determine how to best go about the procedure. For instance, they should find out the density of your jaw bone to determine whether it is sufficient to hold dental implants. If not, they will use bone grafts. They should also be able to select the best implant for you in terms of the type, length, coating, etc.
Suitability
As effective as it sounds, not everyone is suited for dental implants. There are factors that should be considered to determine whether dental implants are a viable option for you. Underlying dental problems will affect the support of dental implants making them unsuitable in such a situation. This also applies to people with other medical illnesses such as diabetes. A low immunity will also make one susceptible to infections which increases the chances of dental implant failure. Age is another factor that may affect the longevity of dental implants.
Dental Hygiene
Good oral care and hygiene are necessary for maintaining healthy natural teeth and gums. The same applies to dental implants. It is important that you practice good hygiene such as brushing twice each and flossing at least once. This will help to prevent the buildup of dirt and plaque in the mouth due to trapped food particles. The implants may be immune to infections but the teeth and gums still can get infected.
Gum infections will move from the surface to below the gum line and eventually reach the jaw bone. If this happens, it will not be able to offer the same support to the dental implant causing it to become loose and may eventually come off. Drinking plenty of water and a healthy diet will also contribute to good oral health which will give your implants a long life.
Dental Check-Ups
Dental checkups are also important if you want to prolong the life of your dental implants. The dentist will be able to search for any signs of gum disease that may compromise the stable support of the implants and deal with them early enough. The faster these issues are dealt with, the higher the chances of saving the dental implants will be. During your visits, the dentist will also perform a dental cleaning to get rid of plaque buildup. This reduces the chances of harboring bacteria that may lead to gum disease.
Avoid Smoking
Just as smoking is bad for your health, it is also not good for your dental implants. Smoking will weaken your bone structure making your dental implant more susceptible to failure. It also compromises the health of the gums putting them at a higher risk of infections. Excessive drinking is also not good for your oral health. You should, therefore, refrain from smoking and drinking excessively if you want to give your dental implants a longer life.
Do Not Put Too Much Pressure
To prevent damaging your dental implants, you should avoid putting excessive pressure on them. This can be through biting on hard substances such as ice or using your teeth as a bottle opener. This will put a lot of force on the implant and may crush the crown. Grinding of the teeth should also be avoided as it will stress the implant and may cause it to loosen.
Dental implants aim at providing a permanent solution to teeth replacement. As it may not last you forever, it should still be able to serve you for quite a long time. However, this is only possible if you take the necessary steps to promote the life of your dental implants.
