A tooth implant replaces both the root and the chewing or biting surface of your tooth. These implants are very effective, natural looking, and can last the rest of your life if you take good care of your mouth and gums. In general, an implant is likely to last much longer than a denture, and will look much more like your original teeth.
Success Rate of a Dental Implant
Implant dentistry has become very popular, and dental implant procedures have a high success rate, especially if bone grafting is not necessary to support the implants. Once your implants have been placed and have successfully bonded to your jawbone, you’re likely to have them for a very long time.
The success of your tooth implant is likely to be higher if:
- You do not smoke
- You do not have gum disease
- You do not have diabetes
- You do not have an immune system disorder
If you have gum disease, you should see a periodontist before your implant procedure to ensure the health of your gums. Other issues can be addressed by your implant dentist to determine if dental implants are still right for you.
Care of Your Dental Implants
You should take care of your implants long-term by following the recommendations of your implant dentist. They should be cleaned regularly. Even though the prosthetic teeth cannot decay, bacteria can still build up in your mouth, leading to gum disease or other problems. Regular brushing reduces the amount of bacteria in your mouth. Brushing can also remove staining agents that might build up on your implants, making it less likely that they will lead to long-term discoloration. In addition, brushing helps stimulate your gums, keeping them healthy and preventing gum disease.
You should also avoid activities that could break, crack, or otherwise damage the visible portion of your implants. Don’t bite on pens or pencils, avoid chewing ice, and avoid beverages or foods that could cause permanent staining.
Contact the experienced and skilled dental team of Dr. Brad Crump to schedule an appointment today.