5 Factors Affecting How Long People Can Use Dental Implants
Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone to act as a replacement for the root of a missing tooth. They provide a strong foundation for permanent or removable replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth.
They can be used to replace one or more missing teeth and can also be used to support a fixed bridge or denture. As a result, people with missing teeth will only have to visit a dentist sometimes for maintenance or repairs. But what factors affect how long dental implants last?
1. Damage
The longevity of dental implants largely depends on how well you take care of them. Therefore, people wearing dental implants should skip eating hard foods to ensure their implants stay intact. It can fail if the implant is damaged due to trauma or excessive force.
Good oral hygiene is essential for keeping your implants healthy and robust, including regular brushing and flossing daily. Therefore, following your dentist’s instructions for proper oral hygiene is critical as avoiding activities that could damage the implant.
2. Injury
Another factor that can affect the longevity of dental implants is injury. Injury to the area around the implant, such as from a fall or accident, can damage the implant. Therefore, taking steps to avoid such injuries is essential for the longevity of your dental implants.
In addition, it is essential to be aware of any signs of infection or inflammation around the implant, which can occur due to injury or other causes. If any of these symptoms are present, it is essential to contact your dentist immediately to ensure your dental implants’ longevity.
3. Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene is another factor that can affect the longevity of dental implants. It can lead to plaque buildup, which can cause infection and inflammation around the implant. As a result, the patient can become susceptible to oral problems affecting the implants installed.
Therefore, practicing good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing regularly and seeing your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings, is essential. After getting implants, patients should become more conscious about their oral health to ensure implant longevity.
4. Dietary Choices
Dietary choices can also affect the longevity of dental implants. Eating a balanced diet and avoiding hard and crunchy foods can help keep implants in good condition and make them last longer. Meanwhile, choosing foods high in calcium content should strengthen teeth more.
Patients should also avoid foods high in sugar and acid, as these can erode the enamel of teeth and cause decay. Additionally, patients should not chew on complex objects, such as pens or pencils, as this can put pressure on the implants and cause them to become loose.
5. Existing Medical Conditions
Finally, existing medical conditions can also influence the longevity of dental implants. Patients with diabetes or other chronic illnesses may have a higher risk of developing infections and gum disease, which can decrease the lifespan of implants. Additionally, patients with weakened immune systems may be more prone to infection. Therefore, extra care should be taken to keep the mouth clean and healthy.
Conclusion
Dental implants can be an excellent option for replacing missing teeth. However, a few factors can influence their longevity, such as oral hygiene, diet, lifestyle habits, and existing medical conditions. Patients should discuss these factors with their dentist before opting for dental implants to ensure they get the most out of their treatment.
Weymouth Dental Arts offers dental implants in Weymouth for people needing them for various reasons. But aside from being general dentists, we also do cosmetic dentistry to improve our patient’s smiles further when they walk in for a consultation. Learn more about our services, and book a trip to the best dentist near you through our website today.