From improved appearance to improved speech, improved comfort, and better chewing, the benefits of replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant are unrivaled. Since a dental implant is placed in the jawbone, it offers the same bone stimulation as a natural tooth, keeping your bone strong and healthy. It also supports the neighboring teeth, preventing them from drifting or falling off.
In the past, patients with missing teeth had only two replacement options to choose from: dental bridges and dentures. Unfortunately, these options are temporary and undependable. But with dental implants, patients can now replace their missing teeth permanently and continue to live their lives normally without interruptions.
However, some people are still skeptical about the longevity of dental implants. While dental implants are designed to last a lifetime, many factors determine their permanency. This article discusses some of these factors.
How They Are Used
We are all guilty of using our teeth to perform hazardous tasks like chewing ice, grinding teeth, and biting hard objects. Although most of these actions are done subconsciously, they more often than not end up damaging our teeth. Even though they may not damage your titanium dental implants, these habits will harm your dental crowns that cover the implants. So, if you want your dental implants to last long, avoid these harmful tendencies.
How They Are Placed in Your Mouth
The location of dental implants in your mouth determines how long they will last. For instance, if you are replacing your pre-molars or incisors, they will be under immense pressure daily because they are responsible for chewing and tearing food. So, they are more susceptible to wear and tear than canines.
Diet and Lifestyle
Unhealthy lifestyle choices such as smoking and alcohol abuse put your oral health in jeopardy, causing more abrasion to your dental crowns. Moreover, they weaken your immune system, exposing your mouth to bacterial infections. These infections will eventually spread and cause serious dental problems like gum diseases and pulpitis.
Excessive intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates also promotes the buildup of plaque in your mouth, further accelerating bacteria’s growth. These infections will destroy your gum, leaving your dental implants exposed.
How You Care for Them
Although they are designed to be permanent, dental implants require good oral hygiene. This includes brushing and flossing your teeth regularly. You also have to use the right toothpaste, toothbrush, and mouthwash to clean and rinse your dental implants.