Dental Implants: Everything You Should Know About Maintenance And Expected Lifespans

Dental implants are a convenient solution to the loss or irremediable damage of dentition. Dental implants allow you to regain a natural appearance. They also prevent your speech pattern, chewing abilities, and digestion from being impacted by tooth loss. If you're thinking of getting dental implants, you must know the basic care your implant will require, as well as how long you will be expected to keep it for. Old dental implants will need to be replaced to maintain healthy gums, to avoid damage to your gums, and improve your overall health. Here's everything you need to know. 

The Type Of Care Will Depend On The Type Of Implant

When getting dental implants, you can either get single implants or dentures. Typically, single implants will be used on patients with some healthy teeth that the implants can be set against. Adults — typically seniors — will be looking for something more functional, should they have lost several teeth in one row. Dentures provide an entirely removable, self-supporting option.

Single implants should be brushed at least twice a day, using a soft-bristle toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. You will need to make sure to regularly clean around the implant crown. On the other hand, dentures should be removed daily and soaked in a recommended cleaner, generally for 3 to 5 minutes. You will need to use a denture brush to brush the underside of the denture and then rinse it before inserting it back into your mouth.

The Lifespan Of Dental Implants Is Increasing But Still Varies From Patient To Patient

The lifespan of dental implants is heavily linked to both patient anatomy and care. The dental implant, when inserted into the jawbone, will need to fuse with the bone. Generally, younger patients will have faster healing bones and smokers may experience healing-hindering inflammation or infections. The longer the bone takes to heal around the implant, the more prone to wear and tear it may be.

Nevertheless, dental implants are made from increasingly non-corrosive materials, allowing them to last over 25 years with effective care. When noticing damage around the crown, or cracks along the surface, you will need to inform your dentist to avoid needing to change the entire implant. Gum disease can substantially decrease the lifespan of a dental implant; therefore, will need to be treated to avoid damage to your crown(s).

A Final Word

Dental implants are a solid investment. Not only do they last several decades, but they also require as little care as your natural teeth. The healthier your lifestyle and your hygiene routine, the healthier you can expect your gums and crowns to be. To ensure your dental implants last you a lifetime, make sure to book regular check-ups with your dentist.

If you are interested in dental implants, contact a dentist's office such as Apollo Dental Center.


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