Missing a tooth can affect your confidence and cause other oral health issues down the line. Dental implant surgery can help restore your smile and maintain your oral health.
When properly cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime, but the replacement crowns or bridges will also need proper maintenance and regular visits to the dentist.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are like artificial tooth roots, usually crafted from titanium. When you lose a tooth due to injury or infection, a dental implant can be an effective solution to prevent complications caused by tooth loss. This setup mimics the function of a natural tooth root, ensuring stability and a seamless smile.
Implants are surgically placed into the jawbone. Once the implant integrates with the bone through a process called osseointegration, it provides a strong foundation to support crowns, bridges, or dentures. This process restores the functionality and appearance of your teeth.
However, dental implants may not suit everyone. Ideal candidates should have healthy gums and enough jawbone to support the implant. Without sufficient bone, the implant might not fuse correctly. In some cases, a bone graft might help achieve sufficient bone strength.
Maximizing Your Implant's Lifespan
Caring for dental implants is much like caring for your natural teeth. Factors such as oral hygiene and lifestyle choices can significantly influence how long your implants last.
Good oral care is essential to prevent plaque buildup and reduce the risk of gum disease, which can jeopardize implant stability. As always, you should brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily.
Follow your dentist’s recommendations for implant care. They might suggest non-abrasive toothpaste or soft-bristled brushes to keep your implants in top shape.
Regular dental exams, ideally every six months, are also advised. These visits allow your dentist to ensure the implant fits well and hasn’t become loose.
In addition to maintaining excellent oral hygiene, you should avoid chewing hard objects like ice or opening packaging with your teeth to prevent damage.
The Impact of Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, involves clenching or gnashing your teeth, often subconsciously or during sleep. This habit can put immense strain on your jaw, potentially damaging the crown or the implant itself.
Stress, poor sleep health, and crooked teeth are common causes. Yoga can also help reduce stress and protect your teeth. Additionally, there are mouth guards to help protect against grinding in your sleep.
Lifestyle Habits to Consider
Smoking poses a significant risk for dental implants. It can hinder blood flow to the surgery site, affecting healing and increasing the chances of implant failure. Although rare, implant failure is over twice as common for smokers compared to non-smokers.
Quitting smoking enhances the chances of a successful dental implant and benefits your overall health.
You should also avoid sugary and acidic foods, as sugar contributes to dental issues like decay, which may impact the implant site. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can support bone health, which is essential for the stability of dental implants.
Do Medical Conditions & Medications Affect Implant Success?
Certain medical conditions can impact the healing process or osseointegration, the fusion of the implant to the bone. Conditions like diabetes, osteoporosis, or a weakened immune system can affect implant longevity.
Additionally, medications such as blood thinners or immunosuppressive drugs can increase the risk of implant failure. Always inform your dentist about any medications you’re taking.
Understanding the Average Lifespan
A dental implant is designed to be a permanent fixture. Generally, proper care and maintenance can decrease the risk of implant failure.
Dental implants boast a 90-95% success rate over a decade. At this point, the implant is typically stable and settled in. However, the crown attached to the implant requires regular care and may need replacement over time. Depending on the type of the crown, it could last between 10 to 20 years with proper attention.
Bringing Back Your Smile
Dental implants provide a durable solution for missing teeth, but they require proper care and maintenance. Adhering to good oral hygiene practices, being proactive with dental visits, and making informed lifestyle choices can help ensure the longevity of your dental implants.
Our team at Rundle Dental is here to guide you through your dental implant journey. If you’re ready to fill that gap, book an appointment with us today.