Are you missing teeth? You certainly aren’t alone. Approximately 178 million other Americans are missing at least one tooth and 40 million are missing all of their teeth. The good news is that there are a variety of different tooth replacement options out there that can give you your smile back, like dental implants. One of the great benefits of implants is the fact that they are long-lasting, but what exactly does that mean? Continue reading to learn more about the longevity of dental implants and what you can do to make them last.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants are considered to be a permanent tooth replacement option, but they don’t necessarily last forever. However, with proper care, they can last upwards of 25 years or even the rest of your life. Here are some of the factors that contribute to the life of your dental implants:
- Overall health
- Gum health
- Location of the implant
- Proper maintenance
How Can You Increase the Life of Your Implants?
Many of the things that contribute to the success of your implants are completely in your power. Here are a few steps that you should be taking in order to keep your implants healthy for as long as possible:
- Excellent oral hygiene: Your crown that is placed on your implant is not susceptible to decay like your natural teeth, but your oral hygiene is just as important. You need to brush twice and floss once a day in order to keep your gum tissue and surrounding teeth healthy. If you develop gum disease, you are much more likely to experience a dental implant failure.
- Proper use: Your dental implants are meant to help you chew food, hold in saliva, and prevent bone loss. They aren’t meant to pop bottles, open packaging, munch on ice, or bite your nails. You could end up damaging them.
- See your dentist: You should be seeing your dentist every six months for regular cleanings and checkups in order to keep your smile healthy. This is especially important if you have dental implants. This way, your dentist can spot any issues early on before they become serious.
Implants have all sorts of benefits that you cannot get from other tooth replacement options, but you won’t be experiencing them for very long if you aren’t caring for them properly. By following the steps listed above, you will be able to keep your new, restored smile for many years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Robert Blake is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for more than three decades. He earned his dental doctorate from Georgetown University School of Dentistry and has completed more than 1500 hours of clinical education and training. To learn more about dental implants or to schedule an appointment at his office in Beverly, visit his website or call (978) 927-3515.