Dentists do the best they can to meet a patients’ needs for oral function and optimal esthetics. For years, the only methods for achieving this after tooth loss were with bridges and dentures. Thanks to new technology, dental implants are an excellent long-term option for restoring your smile. There is no question that implants can significantly improve outcome, with their 99% success rate. Dental implants are better at stabilizing restorations such as crowns, bridges, or dentures than other methods. There are a few things that may affect the lifespan of an implant. The good news is that these factors can be mitigated, and allow you to enjoy indefinite functionality.
Excessive Force
Tooth grinding and clenching are more serious than many people imagine. Bruxism is the medical term that is used to describe repetitive teeth grinding or clenching. Bruxism may be the result of stress, misalignment problems, or missing teeth. Bruxism places excessive pressure on the teeth and can cause them to become worn down or damaged as a result. Unfortunately, bruxism often occurs at night while a patient sleeps, making it difficult to control without professional treatment. This condition may be especially harmful to the integration of a dental implant. The excessive force placed onto the supporting connective tissues can degrade the casing of bone around the metal post. Patients with bruxism may require corrective treatment, or a night guard to reduce the physical impact.
Inflammation
Just as inflammation of the gums may cause deterioration around natural teeth, these conditions around a restoration can adversely affect the implant. Only the inorganic implant materials are resistant to disease, natural oral tissues, such as bone, are not. If oral bacteria enter the surface tissues, the periodontal ligament is next in line for depreciation. These microscopic ligaments that bind your teeth to your gums become broken and ‘pockets’ form. The ‘pocket’ is the space between your tooth and gum. As you can imagine, loose particles of food may get stuck in these pockets and make the bacterial infection worse. Good hygiene habits do not become any less important after tooth replacement with dental implants. Brushing and flossing must be performed daily to maintain healthy gums and the life of the implant.
Improper Oral Care
The daily care of dental implants is very similar to the care of natural teeth. Restored dental implants should be brushed and flossed twice a day. Cleaning is especially important after meals. You must be committed not only to daily performance of dental hygiene at home, but to regular visits to your dentist. It is recommended that you see your dentist every 3 to 6 months for a professional exam and cleaning. The dental implants should be examined with an x-ray annually.
Schedule A Consultation
With proper care, your implant supported dentures will greatly improve your quality of life, and last indefinite. Dr. Kulangara at Advanced Dental Arts is a highly trained prosthodontist with extensive experience in teeth replacement techniques and procedures. Your smile will look and feel just like real teeth, and nobody will know the difference but you! Our team works closely with each and every patient to customize a restoration procedure that will restore the health and aesthetic of your teeth. Do you want more information on dental implants? Call Advanced Dental Arts today 813-701-5074 for more information.