Dental Implant Lifespan: What Affects Their Durability?

What are the benefits of investing in an implant?

·      No removal of tooth structure from yourother teeth (like with bridges)

·      Jawbone Preservation – the implant mimicsa tooth root which keeps your jawbone healthy. With no tooth root in the area, your jawbone shrinks back and can affectthe bone holding your other teeth in place.

·      Longevity – With proper care and regulardental visits your implant can last a lifetime. Bridges last around 5 to 10 years, depending on your care at home anddental visits.

·      Better stability of removal devices –implants can keep your denture stable, so it doesn’t move when you chew orspeak

How to Maintain Your Implant, so it Can Last a Lifetime

·      Invest in a water flosser – waterflossers are a great tool to clean plaque and food debris from under yourimplant crown.  Use it at the lowestsetting at 90 degrees to your implant.

·      Floss under the crown – use string flossto fully remove plaque from under your implant crown.  Make sure your floss slides underneath thecrown completely to reach the post.

·      Keep inflammation away – gum inflammationcauses bone loss not only around your teeth but also your implant.  Keeping the area free of plaque and foodpacking can reduce the risk of inflammation around your implant.

·      Gum Disease – preventing gum diseasehelps keep the bone around your implant stable in your jawbone.  If you have already been diagnosed with gumdisease, keep your disease in a stable state by brushing, flossing, and havingregular dental visits.

·      Refrain from Smoking – Smoking is one ofthe major risks for developing gum disease. Preventing gum disease can keep your implant safe from loss.

·      Avoid Chewing Hard Foods – Very hardfoods like ice or almonds have the potential to damage your implant.  To avoid the risk of damage, it’s best toavoid chewing hard substances with your implant.

·      Protect from Clenching and Grinding – Grindingor clenching your teeth against your implant can cause damage or bone loss overtime.  Protect your implant with anightguard or bite splint.

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