Tooth loss can happen for various reasons, but thankfully, missing teeth can be replaced through dental implant placement. Dental implants are the gold standard for tooth replacement, providing long-lasting, natural-looking results. One of the most common questions we hear is, exactly how long-lasting are dental implants? Dental implants can last a decade or longer, although your implant success is contingent on a number of factors.
Enhancing the Success of Your Dental Implants
Consider just a few of the steps you can take to enhance your likelihood of long-term dental implant success.
Adhere to Aftercare Guidelines
Following your dental implant placement, you will be provided with a set of post-op instructions for aftercare and recovery. These instructions are intended to promote your comfort and to safeguard the success of your implants. Adherence to these guidelines, including instructions for hygiene and diet, is critical for your implants to heal as intended for successful osseointegration.
Beware of Infection
The most common threat to the success of your dental implants is peri-implantitis, a type of gum disease located at the site of implant placement. Peri-implantitis can degrade your jawbone, causing your implants to become loose and potentially fall out of the smile. Make sure you brush and floss your teeth regularly (even the implants), visit your dentist for checkups and cleanings at least twice a year, and avoid the sugary foods and drinks that encourage the bacterial growth that leads to gum disease.
Avoid Chewing Ice
Dental implants can also become warped by foods that are either extremely cold or extremely hard. Ice is both, so if you chew ice, you should work to change that habit.
Care for Your Crowns
While dental implants last as a permanent addition to your smile, your porcelain crowns may eventually need to be replaced. You can delay the need for crown replacement by avoiding the kinds of hard, crunchy foods that might cause your crowns to crack prematurely.
Discover Your Options for Long-Lasting Dental Implants
With the right care, dental implants provide long-lasting restoration. Contact Derby City Dental Specialists directly to learn more about dental implant care in the Louisville, KY, community.
