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Dental implants are great oral health devices that restore tooth, gumline, and jaw function all at once. It’s a screw that essentially bonds with the bone underneath the gum so that a crown (that looks and acts like a natural tooth) can be fitted onto it.
These dental fixtures can come in per-tooth arrangements or as multiple replacements for a broken smile or an entire row of teeth. Once they’re installed, it’s like having a regular tooth back in action for eating, biting, chewing, and speaking!
How Long Do They Last?
Since they are long-term solutions for natural teeth that have fallen out or been ravaged by bacteria, dental implants are designed to last up to 25 years.
Still, You Need to Keep Them Clean
However, like any artificial item known to human beings, they are still prone to wear, tear, and deterioration if not properly cared for. Factors you need to consider regarding the longevity of your dental implants are:
Oral Hygiene
The presence of a fake, long-term tooth does not mean you get to overlook proper oral hygiene. Bacteria and cavities can still slip under the crown and go straight through the gum line, damaging the implant or creating a cesspool of bacteria that further leads to tooth and gum diseases. Brushing and flossing once a day is still one of the best ways to maintain your dental implants properly.
Diet
The kind of food you eat also impacts your false teeth. Sticky and sugary foods will invite cavities to ravage your tooth once again. Hard foods will chip your crown and could also drive the implant deeper into your jawbone, causing cracks and unnecessary pain.
The same advice applies to liquids as well. Limit drinking coffee, alcohol, and soft drinks as they damage the aesthetic of the implant.
Health and Habits
Stop smoking as well, as this bad habit prevents proper osseointegration (fusing the screw to the bone) and leads to a failed implant.
Additionally, avoid clenching your teeth and jaw to preserve the integrity of your crown and dental implant.
As much as possible, do maintain a healthy lifestyle composed of a well-balanced diet, proper eight hours of sleep, and regular (3-4 times a week) exercise. If you have medication, be sure to take them as well per your doctor’s orders, since your health also determines your body’s acceptance or rejection of the dental implant and how fast your recovery will be.
Bone and Gum Densities
The amount of bone and gums in your mouth also play a massive role in securing a dental implant. After all, they are the surfaces needed for the screw and crown to be fastened. If you lack the necessary density in either one, gum tissue or bone graft can be done to improve the condition.
However, one must take note of the necessary recovery periods before the dental implant procedure can be finished. If there are no complications with the grafting procedure, the area in question needs around six months to fully heal and graft before the screw can be installed.
Once the screw is installed, you will have to wait another three months to heal fully before finally placing the crown. All told, patients who need to improve bone or gum densities will take one year for their dental implants to be completely installed and functional.
Just before We Cap Things Off
Dental implants still need the same care we give our natural teeth so they can last and serve us a long time. Keep brushing, flossing, and protecting your teeth from foods that can damage your brand new teeth, and you’ll see them shining each time you smile and work each time you bite, chew, speak, and talk to everyone around you!
You can book an appointment for dental implants in Ann Arbor, Michigan, by contacting Dental House MI right now! We’re a practice that specializes in cosmetic, preventive, and restorative dentistry with affordable packages and discounts. Visit our website to schedule your visit today!
