How to Make Your Dental Implants Last Longer
Perhaps after reading that title, you are saying to yourself “Longer? I thought dental implants were supposed to last forever!” Well, yes, they are. The dental implant itself is made from titanium, so it will never corrode. However, it could fail. There is also the possibility of damage to the crown that covers the implant. With that in mind, it just makes sense that you should know how to protect your dental implants. Learn how to make your dental implants last longer by following our aftercare.
What Could Cause Dental Implants to Fail?
Three main conditions could lead to failure of your dental implants. They are periodontal disease, trauma or a bad bite.
- Periodontal Disease: This can affect your dental implants adversely if not treated. Bacteria cause infection and inflammation in your gums, which leads to bone deterioration that may make the implant loosen.
- Trauma: If you sustain a blow to the mouth, the crowns could be damaged or the dental implants could be dislodged.
- Bad Bite: Your Alpharetta dentist will not install dental implants without first making sure that there is nothing wrong with your bite. However, as is the case with most things in life, circumstances can change. If you do develop a bad bite, your implants could fail, but this is rare.
Proper Care
The most important thing when it comes to taking care of your dental implants is continuing with good oral hygiene. Do not skip brushing and flossing; sloppy oral care can lead to gum disease, and as previously stated, that can result in failed dental implants. Also, do not assume that because your new smile is not going to decay, you can forego regular dental checkups. You should still visit your dentist every six months.
Contact Us With Any Questions About Dental Implants You Have
Properly cared for, your dental implants can last you the rest of your life. If you have questions about dental implants, or you would like to book an appointment, you can reach us at Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta by calling 678-624-0370, or by filling out the convenient form on our Contact Us page.