Dental implants are a fantastic tooth replacement option that can last an extremely long time—if they are properly cared for.
Below is helpful information about dental implants including what they are, why you should consider dental implants, and how you can properly care for your dental implants to better ensure their strength and longevity.
About Dental Implants
Dental implants are a popular tooth replacement option for patients that have a gap in their smile. They can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. Implants involve the placement of a titanium or ceramic rod or rods into the jawbone of a patient that fuses with the bone over time. A prosthetic tooth or teeth are then placed, filling the gap in a patient’s smile.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
Dental implants have quite a few outstanding benefits. Some of the top benefits of dental implants include:
- Beautiful appearance. Many patients love the appearance of dental implants, as they can look very natural and organic. They can be designed to fit seamlessly with the patient’s smile, making them practically unnoticeable.
- Longevity. Dental implants are a semi-permanent solution and can last decades (or even a lifetime). The prosthetics may need to be replaced occasionally, though, and often last 10-20 years.
- Ongoing oral health. Dental implants help to prevent teeth migration, which leads to crookedness and crowding. By keeping your teeth in place, implants make it easier to properly brush and floss—helping to ensure excellent ongoing oral health.
- Confidence. No one likes having a gap in their smile. Dental implants help to close the gap, which can boost your confidence and self-esteem.
How Do I Clean & Maintain Dental Implants?
Cleaning and maintaining your dental implants at home is essentially the same process as taking care of your healthy teeth. You’ll want to continue to brush your implants like you would natural teeth, and floss in-between the implants. Keep in mind that—even though the implant is prosthetic—the gums, jawbone, and surrounding teeth are not. In order to ensure your overall, ongoing oral health brush twice a day, floss, and rinse.
Visiting your dentist every six months for your cleaning and checkup is also very important to ensuring the longevity of your implants. During these visits, your dentist will provide you with a professional cleaning and will use specialized instruments to ensure the safety of your implants during the cleaning. Your dentist will also check the implants to ensure their security and viability.
If you take proper care of your oral health and your dental implants, they can last decades and even a lifetime.
Contact Us
If you are considering the placement of dental implants or you have implants and would like more information about dental implant maintenance, contact us. We’ll happily set an appointment for a consultation and/or provide you with tips for maintaining your dental implants.
Reach out today to learn more about dental implants.
