Dental implants are becoming more and more popular as a solution for permanent tooth replacement. Although they are more expensive than dentures, they offer greater benefits over time. If cared for properly, your dental implant can last a lifetime. And the good news is, it’s not hard to get it right. Let’s look at what determines the lifespan of your implant and how you can care for and maintain it to ensure longevity.
The Key Factors That Determine the Lifespan of an Implant
There are several factors that can influence the lifespan of your implant.
- Quality: The standard of your implant relates to both the materials used and the surgical expertise of your dentist. High-quality materials such as medical-grade titanium or zirconia are much more durable than alternatives, and choosing an experienced dentist will ensure proper placement.
- Oral Hygiene: Regular brushing, flossing and dental check-ups will ensure that your mouth remains healthy, lowering the chance of complications. Those who neglect a proper oral hygiene routine are at higher risk of needing further treatment.
- Bone Health: A strong jawbone is essential for longevity when it comes to dental implants. If you have a higher jawbone density, you are more likely to see better long-term results.
- Lifestyle Choices: There are many lifestyle factors that can determine the lifespan of your implant, including smoking, a poor diet and the consumption of alcohol. These can hinder circulation and increase your chance of gum disease and other oral health conditions.
Essential Implant Hygiene Tools and Techniques (Flossing, Brushing)
Maintaining great oral hygiene will help to ensure the success and longevity of your dental implant. So a regular routine, and the right tools and techniques becomes essential. Here are some top tips.
- Ensure that you are brushing your teeth at least twice daily.
- Ensure that you are flossing your teeth regularly, focusing your attention on the gum line.
- Consider using an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce plaque build-up.
- Try flossing with a water flosser for those hard-to-reach areas.
The Importance of Regular Implant Maintenance Check-ups
Proper aftercare and regular implant maintenance checkups are recognised as critical in ensuring longevity. And as with any oral condition, early intervention can make a big difference in the level of treatment that is required. Particularly in the period immediately following your treatment, you should aim to see your dentist every 6 months at a minimum to minimise the chance of any post-treatment complications.
Then, your clinic will determine how often you should seek a check-up, but the industry standard is usually once a year unless you have concerns between appointments.
Remember that even if your teeth look and feel healthy, there may be underlying issues that are not visible to the eye. Your dentist has the knowledge and experience needed to look for early signs of gum inflammation, decay and other complications, providing treatment before the condition worsens.
Avoiding Common Habits That Can Jeopardise Your Implants
Dental professionals often advise against common habits that can jeopardise the health of your implants. These include:
- Grinding or clenching your teeth.
- Using your teeth for non-conventional means, such as opening packaging.
- Chewing on hard foods such as ice or hard sweets.
- Smoking or vaping.
- Excessive alcohol consumption.
Ensure Longevity With Goldfields Family Dental
For more information on how you can maximise the lifespan of your dental implants, speak to the experts at Goldfields Family Dental. From check-ups to regular cleaning, we’ll help to ensure the longevity of your implants. Get in touch with our professionals today.