Dental implants are tooth replacements that mimic the look and function of natural teeth. They are permanent, meaning that they do not need replacement. Their predecessor, dental bridges, requires intensive upkeep, making them a high-maintenance, impermanent option.
New replacement teeth are screwed into your jawbone using titanium screws. The only part that requires replacement is the crown, which is the visible part. If well maintained, the crown will require replacement every 5 - 15 years.
During your initial consultation, a dentist will be able to advise you on how long a dental implant will last. In this post, we'll guide you through how to make your dental implants last, maximising your experience of dental implants.
The first step is to select a reputable cosmetic dentist. Find one that specialises in dental implants; read customer reviews, which will confirm how well the dentist communicated about and carried out the dental implant procedure for previous customers. Do they use the most up-to-date techniques for installing dental implants?
Once you've found the right dentist, they'll talk you through any concerns and book the dental implant operation.
One of the critical factors for dental implants' longevity is how well you take care of them. In the next section, let's examine best practices for how to take care of your dental implants.
How to Take Care of Dental Implants
By following the following steps, you can:
- Avoid initial implantation failure, preventing you from maximising the dental implants' lifespan.
- Maintain the appearance and functionality of your implants, with particular reference towards the crown.
As part of the post-operative procedure, your dentist should discuss these maintenance steps, but here is a brief outline.
Maintain Oral Hygiene
Maintaining optimal oral hygiene is arguably one of the most important steps. Poor oral hygiene (e.g. not flossing and brushing regularly) will allow plaque and debris to form around the dental implant. Then, inflammation around the dental implantation site can cause peri-implantitis, which causes symptoms similar to gum disease. Good dental practices - plus regular professional dental cleaning - can prevent your dental implant from becoming unhealthy.
Technique
Part of the reason why it's crucial to find a reputable, industry-leading dentist is so that they can deploy the latest surgical techniques to achieve the best results. Examples of newer technologies are computer-guided surgery. Latest dental innovations improve precision and, in turn, can maximise the lifespan of the dental implant.
Materials
It is essential that the dental implant is made of the highest-quality materials that are resistant to corrosion. Titanium has a repeated track record of success, but zirconium has also been shown to be effective and durable. Both materials are biocompatible, meaning the body will not reject their insertion (which would render osseointegration, the process where the implant fuses with the jawbone, impossible).
It is entirely reasonable to assume that, with proper care, the titanium and zirconium screws in your dental implants should last a lifetime.
Health
Maintaining good oral health - particularly by not smoking or drinking excessively - will prevent wear and tear on your crowns. These habits can also interfere with your immune system's natural operation, making it easier for harmful bacteria to breed in your mouth, introducing gum disease.
In particular, smoking can increase the risk of implant failure, as smoking can destabilise the body's healing around the implant site. A healthy diet will accelerate the healing process.
Moreover, another important - yet often overlooked - aspect of dental health is diet. Consuming excessive quantities of sugar - regardless of whether the sugar is liquid or solid - can spread plaque. High levels of plaque can cause dental implant failure, regardless of how long you've had the dental implant.
Ultimately, dental implants can't get cavities in the same way as natural teeth. Yet poor health can still spread conditions like gum disease and gingivitis, which, aside from being painful, may necessitate removing the dental implant prematurely.
If you suffer from an autoimmune disease, diabetes, or osteoporosis, these conditions can decelerate bone healing. Ensure your dentist is aware of these conditions during the initial consultation.
Bone Quality
Unfortunately, this one is mostly out of the dentist and patient's control - the jawbone needs to be optimally healthy to achieve successful implantation. The bone needs to be sufficiently dense and high-volume to achieve osseointegration. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet, you can maintain your bone density. In particular, eating foods rich in calcium, phosphorus, and Vitamin D supports bone health. If you have a condition that affects your bone density, you may not be a suitable candidate for dental implants.
The Dental Implants Placement
Note that the extent of natural wear and tear will depend on the site of the dental implant. For example, molars and incisors are responsible for most of the grinding of food, usually experiencing more wear and tear than canines.
Using Your Teeth
It's worth investing in a high-quality nightguard if you grind your teeth at night. Repeated teeth grinding can erode or gradually dislodge the dental crown. If you play contact sports, like rugby, ensure you use a mouthguard.
Generally, activities that would harm your natural teeth, like biting ice or hard objects, can damage the dental crown, though the titanium screw underneath should remain in place.
Flagging Potential Signs of Implant Failure
By watching out for signs of complications, you can prevent implant failure. Examples of these signs include changes of bite, pain, bleeding or inflammation around the implant site. Though these are rare, it's essential that you alert your dentist at once if you observe any of these signs.
Find out More About Dental Implants
If you're exploring dental implants as an option, Smile Society Dental would love to hear from you. We provide top-quality dental implants in a safe, compassionate environment. Our payment plans ensure that you get treatment as flexibly as you need.
To discover more about how our experienced dentists can help with dental implants, schedule an initial consultation or get in touch with us today.