How Long Do Dental Implants Last? How Do You Preserve Them?
Are you considering dental implants?
You may be excited, but you probably have questions about this smile restoration method, such as
how long dental implants last.
In this blog, we’ll give you a run-through of their lifespan, how to preserve their longevity, and more!
Keep reading to find out.
How long do dental implants last?
The short answer is: They can last a lifetime!
But:
Their longevity depends on a variety of factors, including:
Habits like using tobacco products
Tobacco products like cigarettes are extremely harmful to your health, in general.
And:
They’ll affect the success of your dental implants because they’ll:
- Prevent the implant from properly fusing with your jawbone
- Create a lack of blood flow and oxygen, causing issues with healing
- Block or severely damage salivary glands (causing dry mouth, which could lead to tooth decay and gum disease)
- Damage the bone and gums that support your implants
The failure rate of implant fusion is significantly higher among smokers… This text opens a new tab to the National Center for Biotechnology Information website… than nonsmokers, according to the Journal of International Society of Preventive and Community Dentistry… This text opens a new tab to the JISPCD website….
The location of the dental implant
The location of the implant in your mouth will determine its lifespan as well.
Implants in the back of your mouth will receive more pressure from chewing than implants positioned in the front, thus giving them more wear and tear.
Regardless of where the implant is positioned, you’ll always want to take precautions and maintain your restoration and oral health.
How do you take care of dental implants?
You should brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
Make sure to brush around and under the implant crown to remove any trapped food particles.
We recommend using a water flosser to remove bacteria hidden around the implants and in gum pockets.
Some types of floss shed particles that contribute to peri-implantitis, which is when the soft tissue becomes inflamed and the bone supporting the dental implant deteriorates.
So it’s crucial to thoroughly and carefully clean the area surrounding the implants.
Be sure to make biannual visits to your dentist, as they can assess your oral health and the status of your implants.
Additionally, you should refrain from using your teeth and dental implants for:
- Tearing open packages
- Uncorking wine bottle
- Unscrewing or popping open a bottle cap
While your implants may be incredibly durable, any of the above actions can cause your implant to break or improperly heal.
Some foods can damage your implants as well.
What foods should I avoid after dental implant surgery?
After you get dental implants, you should avoid or limit your consumption of foods and drinks, such as:
- Highly pigmented foods and beverages (e.g., dark-colored berries, marinara sauce, tea, coffee, and red wine)
- Alcoholic beverages, as most forms of alcohol, are relatively high in sugar
- Candies (especially those that are sticky or hard)
With any of the above products, moderation is key. You can still indulge occasionally, of course!
Need a dental implant expert in Sammamish, WA?
Dr. Asha Madhavan and Dr. Meisam Nejad have had extensive education and training, and they’ll always put your comfort first.
Our team uses the latest technology to make your dental implant treatment accurate, efficient, and minimally invasive.
Contact us today for a complimentary dental implants consultation.
Asha Madhavan DDS is located in Sammamish, WA… This text opens a new tab to the Asha Madhavan DDS Google listing…, and proudly serves surrounding areas including Redmond, Issaquah, Kirkland, Bellevue, and Bothell, WA.