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One of the best things about dental implants is that they can last up to 30+ years, making them the most long-lasting method for tooth replacement. In fact, many patients are able to keep a dental implant for the rest of their lives. However, proper implant care is essential for a long lifespan. Learn more below from Shine Dental, and see the top 5 steps you can take for a longer-lasting implant.
1. Choose The Right Implant Dentist
A long-lasting implant starts with expert implant surgery. At Shine Dental, Dr. Katelyn Miller has a lot of experience in the placement of dental implants, and will use the latest technology and tools to develop a personalized treatment plan that will result in an implant that will hold up to the forces of chewing and stand the test of time.
2. Maintain A Good Oral Hygiene Routine
To keep your implant healthy, you need to keep your gums and teeth healthy. Make sure you’re brushing twice a day for at least two minutes, and that you floss once a day. Rinsing with antiseptic mouthwash after you floss is also a good way to remove food particles and freshen your breath.
3. Get Regular Six-Month Teeth Cleanings And Oral Exams
Make sure you see Dr. Miller every six months for a teeth cleaning and oral exam. At this time, Dr. Miller will examine your mouth, and check on the health of your teeth and gums, as well as your dental implant. Regular appointments help you maintain excellent oral health, which is essential for implant longevity.
4. Quit Smoking And Using Tobacco
You must quit smoking while your mouth is recovering from implant surgery, or you will dramatically increase your risk of complications. In fact, many dentists will refuse to perform implant surgery on smokers and tobacco users.
Even after you recover, though, using tobacco and smoking can raise your risk of gum disease and oral cancer. If you want to keep your mouth healthy and make sure your implant lasts as long as possible, you have to quit smoking and using oral tobacco
5. Get A Night Guard If You Grind Your Teeth
Grinding your teeth will not cause your implant to fail, but it can cause your implant restoration, such as a dental crown, to wear down and loosen prematurely, which is inconvenient. It’s also not good for your remaining healthy teeth, and can cause premature tooth wear and even lead to jaw issues like TMJ/TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder).
If you grind your teeth at night, it’s a good idea to get a new custom-made night guard after you’ve had a dental implant placed at Shine Dental. This will help protect your implant, as well as your natural teeth.
Interested In Dental Implants? Contact Us To See If You’re A Good Candidate!
At Shine Dental, Dr. Katelyn Miller can help you learn more about the basics of implants, and explore the benefits dental implants have for your oral health. If you’re interested in dental implants in Sunbury, contact us online or give us a call at 740-936-3083.
