How to Take Care of Dental Implants to Last Longer

What Are Dental Implants?

They are small screw-like metal posts that replace missing teeth in restorative dentistry. Dental implants feature titanium, a sturdy biocompatible material perfect for permanent tooth replacements. Dental implants in Newton Falls, OH, are what you should get when you need to replace one of your teeth so seamlessly that no one can differentiate it from the rest of your natural teeth.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

The process of getting dental implants involves surgery. Therefore, the dentist at Holpuch Dental will employ sedation dentistry and local anesthesia to assure you of painless and comfortable treatment.

The first step of an implantation procedure entails cutting the gum tissue at the site of the missing tooth. The incision exposes the bone tissue underneath. The dentist then drills the jawbone, creating a small hole enough for a dental implant to fit perfectly. The next step will be to place the metal post, then sew the gums to hold the implant in position.

Impeccable as they are for replacing teeth, dental implants cannot work alone. We often use dental crowns to complete implantation procedures. These oral restorations crown dental implants, ensuring that your artificial tooth has both a root and crown.

Are Dental Implants Only for Restoring One Tooth at a Time?

Ideally, one dental implant should replace one tooth. If you have multiple missing teeth, you would require just as many dental implants to replace them. However, dentists employ the all-on-4 technique to ensure patients do not go through severely invasive dental processes to replace their teeth. The technique entails getting between 4 and 10 dental implants, depending on the number of lost teeth. After implantation, you cannot benefit from a dental crown. Instead, your dentist will place a dental bridge or denture to crown the implant. In such cases, the procedures will be called implant-supported denture or implant-supported dental bridge.

What Is the Timeline for Getting Dental Implants?

One thing you must prepare for before getting dental implants is the duration of the treatment. The in-office procedure does not take a long time to complete. However, you must account for the healing period, which takes between 3 and 4 months. This period is essential to ensure that the titanium material integrates naturally with your jawbone. As new bone tissue forms around the tooth implant, you cannot receive a dental crown. Only after your mouth has healed can you complete the treatment through the crowning of the implant. The good news is that the long waiting will be worth it when you finally have a permanent artificial tooth to match the rest of your natural teeth.

How Long do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants near you are very durable, usually lasting between 20 and 25 years. However, dental implants have the potential to last your entire life without a need for retreatment. Your daily dental care measures and oral habits play a big role in the longevity of your tooth implants. However, it is not to say that you may not need to replace the implant crown after 10-20 years.

How Can You Make Your Dental Implants Last Longer?

If you want to keep your dental implants in good shape for many years, you must be intentional about preventive dental care. Some of the crucial things you must consider are:

1. Excel in oral hygiene – brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily should be the bare minimum of your dental hygiene. Besides that, you should keep up with routine dental exams with your dentist in Newton Falls, OH.
2. Stay away from hard, crunchy, and tough foods – avoid any foods that will cause you to exert unnecessary pressure on your teeth. These foods will only compromise the steadiness and stability of your implants.
3. Seek treatment for bruxism – it is a condition featuring excessive teeth grinding at night. Bruxism can result in worn-down teeth, not to mention, cause your dental implants to fail.
4. Moderate bad oral habits – habits like opening a can or lid with your teeth, biting fingernails, or poking your teeth with sharpies can deteriorate your teeth. When you have dental implants, find new habits to substitute the negative ones that may impact your new teeth.