Many patients wonder how long a dental implant lasts, and this is a great question considering it's an investment in your smile. The truth is that a dental implant crown can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, depending on the care you put into it. The implant post itself has the potential to last a lifetime after a successful and healthy integration with your jawbone.
Excellent care for your implant is the key to its success, so let's talk about some tips and techniques you can use at home to promote the longevity of your dental implant.
Dental Implant Care 101
One of the best aspects of an implant is that it looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth. This means your home care should be simple, since you can brush and floss as you're used to with your natural teeth. Keeping your implant clean and plaque-free is the best way to prevent implant failure.
Consistent and Effective Home Care
While your implant crown can't get cavities, poor oral hygiene or failure to keep your implant clean and plaque-free can lead to gum disease. Advanced gum disease slowly destroys the soft tissues and bone that support your teeth and implant posts. Once the supporting bone is damaged or destroyed, it can lead to tooth loss and implant failure. A consistent home care routine is the antidote to implant failure.
Brushing twice daily and flossing once, using proper techniques, helps keep your teeth and dental restorations, such as implants, healthy.
Avoiding Certain Foods
Just like with your natural teeth, biting directly into hard foods like an apple or crusty bread can damage your natural tooth and your implant crown. Cut hard foods into smaller, bite-sized pieces to avoid tooth damage.
Routine Dental Check-Ups
Visiting your Forster dentist every six months for professional cleans and exams will protect your oral health and the health of your restorations. Our dentists can identify problems early, so you can be proactive in treating them before they become more serious. Talk with our team on (02) 6557 6868 to schedule your next dental appointment.