Dental implants gave restorative dentistry a new turn as they offer a long-term and uncompromising solution to tooth loss. If you are considering dental implants, you might be interested in learning, “How long do dental implants last?“ The best part is that with appropriate care and regular visits to a dentist near you, dental implants can endure for decades, if not a lifetime. Nevertheless, there are certain things that can affect their longevity. In this article, we will be discussing the longevity of dental implants and the most significant factors that affect dental implants to enable you to have a healthy and confident smile.
Factors Affecting Dental Implants
There are numerous reasons why dental implants are so successful and long-lasting. Learning about them can help you get the most from them and have a functional, beautiful smile for many years to come.
1. Oral Hygiene Habits
Proper oral care is necessary for the success of dental implants. Plaque and bacterial accumulation can cause peri-implantitis, a bacterial infection that will destroy the bone structure supporting the implant and lead to failure. Brushing daily, flossing daily, and antibacterial mouthwash twice a day can maintain your implants in good health
2. Regular Dental Check-Ups
Regular check-ups with your dentist are very important to monitor the health of your implants. Your dentist will detect any complication very early and give professional cleanings to the implants as well as the remaining teeth.
3. Bone Health and Density
The success of a dental implant also relies on the density of the jawbone. If the bone density is too low, the implant will not bond adequately and may fail. Bone grafting may be needed in some cases to support the jawbone before an implant can be placed.
4. Lifestyle Habits
Some lifestyle habits have the potential to drastically influence the lifespan of dental implants. Smoking, for instance, decreases blood circulation to the gums and can retard healing, while the chances of failure of the implant increase. Excessive drinking of alcohol also negatively influences oral health and degrades the bone surrounding the implant.
5. Nutrition and Diet
A proper diet with vitamins and minerals helps maintain healthy and strong bones and gums, which in turn makes dental implants more durable. Avoiding high levels of sugary or acidic food also helps prevent gum disease and other dental issues that can compromise the stability of implants.
6. Grinding and Clenching (Bruxism)
Patients who clench or grind their teeth are at greater risk of implant damage. The extra pressure can lead to fractures or loosen the implant. A night guard that is custom-fitted can protect both your natural teeth and implants from the bruxism effects.
7. General Health Conditions
Systemic disease states like osteoporosis or diabetes can compromise the body’s healing capacity and bone density, which in turn could affect dental implant success. The conditions should be properly addressed with medical interventions and lifestyle adjustments for long-lasting implants.
8. Quality of the Implant and Procedure
The longevity and success of dental implants also rely on the materials and the skill of the dental practitioner who is doing the implant. Top-notch titanium implants, coupled with a skilled implant dentist, can go a long way in ensuring your implant lasts a long time.
Find a Reliable Dentist For Dental Implants
If you are thinking about dental implants and would like to have them last a long time, then you should consider going to a professional dentist who can assist you through the process. At Forest Lake Family Dental, we focus on delivering excellent implant treatments and customized care that will make your smile healthy and long-lasting.
Need a dentist in Forest Lake? Contact our staff today to schedule an appointment and discover more about how dental implants can improve your confidence and overall oral health!