The quick answer to the question—how long do dental implants last?—is that they have the potential to last for many years and possibly a lifetime with the right care. This longevity refers to the implant itself, which is fused and integrated with your jawbone. Your implant restoration, such as a dental crown, bridge or denture, may need replacement after several years, depending on its wear and tear and how you care for it. Here's what you should know.
How to Properly Care for Dental Implants
Several factors affect dental implant lifespan, including your home care routine. Committing to proper daily brushing and flossing will help promote your tooth implant's health, longevity, and function. Since infection is the downfall of tooth implants, daily brushing and flossing with the proper techniques and tools ensures that you avoid problems like gum disease that can cause jawbone infection. Jawbone infection affects your implant and your natural teeth, so avoiding it can protect your smile on many levels.
If you haven't already, it's time to switch to an electric toothbrush. An electric toothbrush does the hard work of brushing correctly for you. Brushing twice daily and flossing once will help eliminate the plaque buildup that causes tooth decay and gum disease and could negatively impact your dental implant.
Avoid Sticky, Chewy and Hard Foods
Certain foods, such as hard or sticky chewy items, could damage your implant restoration. To avoid damaging your smile, cut hard foods into bite-sized pieces and avoid sticky things like caramel, which could pull your implant crown off.
Never use your teeth as tools to open or carry anything. Doing so can damage natural teeth and restorations, such as implant crowns.
Do You Have Questions about Dental Implant Post-Op Care in Casino?
Your team at Centre Street Dental is here to help! We welcome your call to our Casino dental surgery if you have questions.