Insight from Your Family Dentist in Guelph
Dental implants are a state-of-the-art replacement for missing teeth. Most people opt for dental implants because they look and act like real teeth without the hassles of dentures. More importantly, they are permanent solutions, and you can get a good chunk of time from your implants before needing a replacement. If you are considering dental implants, one question on your mind might be how many years you can get out of them. The team at Westwood & Starwood Dental can help you answer all your implant questions – including giving you an estimate of what to expect once you have them. Are Dental Implants Permanent? Dental implants are considered a permanent solution, but that does not mean you will not require replacements down the road. The term “permanent” refers to the fact that implants are secured into the jawbone; therefore, you do not remove them nightly as you would with dentures. Several factors determine how many years you get from implants, including:
Your Care Routine: How well you care for your implants, including daily oral care, determines how many years you get from them.
Your Dentist’s Skill: The dental professional who installs the teeth also plays a role in their longevity. An experienced dentist knows how to evaluate your jawbone health and whether the implant is fully absorbed before placing the crown.
Your Lifestyle Choices: Do you take care of yourself? The way you care for your entire body determines oral health and how many years you enjoy your implants.
In general, implants can last up to 25 years or more with proper care. Tips for Taking Care of Your Dental Implants – and Increasing their Lifespan Dental implants are a significant upfront investment and one you do not want to repeat earlier than necessary. The best thing you can do for yourself is caring for your implants properly from day one. Taking care of them means 25 to 30 years of use, and you can get close to this expected lifespan with:
Daily Care: Everyday, you should be brushing, flossing, and rinsing. Use a small, soft toothbrush or electric toothbrush fitted with a soft-bristle brush. Only use toothpaste with tartar-control that is low abrasion. When using dental floss, be cautious around the abutments of your implants. Also, use an antimicrobial mouthwash to remove any bacteria.
Visit Your Dentist: Once a year (preferably twice per year), visit your dentist to have your teeth cleaned, x-rays taken of your gums and bone, and an examination. Your dentist will make sure you do not have tartar or plaque build-up but also ensure the pieces of your implants are holding steady.
Watch What You Eat: Yes, you can eat regular foods with implants, but that does not mean you should chew hard candies or use your implants like multi-purpose tools! Treat them like you would ordinary teeth and avoid chewing on objects that could chip, break, or loosen the tooth.
See if You are a Candidate for Dental Implants Not everyone is a suitable candidate, but you will never know if you can take advantage of implants until you visit your dental clinic in Guelph. Come see the team here at Westwood & Starwood Dental. Our staff knows the ins and outs of implants and we can help you decide if they are the right replacement option for your mouth. Schedule a no-obligation consultation today by calling 519-836-4650 or request more information about implants online.