How to Improve the Longevity of a Dental Implant Restoration

Dental implant restoration is an effective way to replace missing teeth. If you have lost a permanent tooth, you may feel embarrassed and want to avoid being around other people. Having missing teeth can also have oral health effects. When you get implants, you can expect them to last for up to 20 years, especially if you take good care of them. There are things you can do to ensure that you get the most out of your implants.

How the process of dental implant restoration works

There are many benefits to having implants to replace teeth. Implants restore the function of a person’s teeth and improve the individual’s smile. The process, however, involves multiple steps and a few surgeries. Implants consist of a screw-like titanium post, a smaller piece called an abutment, and a crown.

The dentist first places the post deep into the jawbone. Over the next few months, the patient heals while the post and bone fuse. At the next appointment, the dentist reopens the gums, exposing the posts. The dentist then attaches the post. After another few months, the patient returns to the dentist’s office, and the dentist places the natural-looking crown on the abutment.

Commit to good oral hygiene

Proper brushing and flossing do not end when a person gets dental implant restoration. It is equally as important to keep up with good dental hygiene practices when the person has implants. Brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily will help to prevent infections. Poor brushing and flossing could cause cavities on surrounding natural teeth, which could affect the performance of the implants.

Keep coming to see the dentist

Regular dental visits are crucial for people who have had dental implant restoration. At these appointments, the dentist will examine the patient and check on the effectiveness of the implants. If there are any problems, the dentist can identify them and repair them. If the patient ignores dental visits, any serious issues may remain undetected.

Be cautious about certain foods

When a person has dental implant restoration, they can expect a durable replacement of natural teeth. Implants have a strong bite force and can stand up to a lot of pressure. Still, the implants are not indestructible. Biting into some foods can crack, chip, or break the crown or pull out the entire implant. Cutting back on hard foods will reduce the risk of damaging the implants. Eating fewer sticky foods will help to prevent pulling out the posts and abutments.

Stop smoking or do not start

Smoking has many negative health effects. The habit can also interfere with the healing process after dental implant restoration. Smoking reduces blood flow in the mouth. It can also reduce the effectiveness of bone grafts.

Make your implants last

When you replace your missing teeth with dental implant restoration, you want a long-lasting solution. Implants can do a good job for 20 years or more. You can do your part to increase their longevity. Follow these guidelines from the time the dentist places the implants in your mouth.

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