Longevity of Dental ImplantsDental implants are common tooth replacement alternatives for destroyed or missing teeth. They mimic your natural teeth and fill up the gaps in your smile. Implant dentistry provides a long-lasting remedy for tooth loss and can increase your comfort level, help you smile more naturally, and boost your self-confidence. Most dental implants last more than 30 years, but they can also last for a lifetime. However, how you maintain your dental hygiene and care for your teeth will significantly impact how long your implants will last. Our dentist at Gresham Dental Excellence will give you tips on how to take care of your implants so that they can last for an extended period. Here are some factors that can affect the lifespan of your dental implants. Lifestyle ChoicesLifestyle factors, including excessive drinking and smoking, might significantly impact your dental implants' lifespan. Smoking increases the likelihood of bacterial plaque formation, which, if left untreated, can develop into gum disease. Also, smoking decreases the oxygen in the bloodstream, making it difficult for diseased gums to heal. You risk getting an infection and delaying healing when you smoke before the dental implant is fully recovered. You are strongly advised to wait for a minimum of 72 hours after getting your implants to consume alcohol. This is because your body requires time to recover and begin the healing process. Due to alcohol thinning the blood, it won't clot properly following the surgery to speed up the healing of the gums. Dehydration may also result from heavy alcohol consumption. As a result, your mouth tissues could become dry, making it difficult for them to heal correctly. Oral HealthWhen an implant has been installed, you must take care of it just like your natural teeth. Make sure your gums are in good condition, and the jawbone is sufficiently dense so that the titanium root will bond correctly. Before placing implants, your dentist must first treat any existing gum disease and ensure your jawbone is substantial enough to retain an implant safely. Be sure to brush twice a day and floss as frequently as you can to lessen plaque accumulation and maintain healthy gums. Damage or InjuryDental implants can have a short lifespan as a result of unavoidable situations. Although ceramic crowns are a lifetime alternative to dental implants, they are not unbreakable. Ceramic crowns can break and crack just like your real teeth. Your implants can be damaged due to facial injuries, eating chewy or sticky food, chewing on hard objects like ice or fragile candies, and using your teeth to open plastic or glass containers. Though your implants can endure some force and pressure, they should only be restricted to chewing and eating foods. Using your dental implants to open packages will significantly reduce their lifespan. This endangers your natural teeth and gums as well. Medical ConditionsSpecific pre-existing medical disorders may also impact the longevity of dental implants. For instance, illnesses like diabetes or a compromised immune system might affect the efficacy of your treatment and the amount of time your dental implants will endure before replacing your implants. Visit us at Gresham Dental Excellence to learn how to manage these medical conditions for quick recovery of your dental implants. Call us at (971) 431-7292 to book an appointment. |