We’re often told that dental implants can last forty years or more and certainly in some cases this is true. The very first implants for example were carried out in 1965 and were still going strong right up until the gentleman’s death some 41 years later. However dental implants aren’t a ‘fit and forget’ type of tooth replacement and as such they need a little TLC to keep them in tip-top condition. Therefore if you do decide to undergo dental implants in Richmond or indeed anywhere else in the country how can you ensure their best chance of longevity?
Regular brushing and flossing
The first six months or so is crucial for dental implants because although they’re considered strong, durable and long-lasting, they are prone to attacks from bacteria. For this reason just like normal teeth, regular brushing and flossing is crucial to prevent bacteria and plaque build-up. Therefore brushing needs to be carried out first thing in the morning and last thing at night with attention being paid to cleaning in and around the implants. Your dentist may suggest a special brush with a smaller head which can access those difficult-to-reach areas. In addition dental flossing is also advised to eliminate food debris and other particles which may have lodged between the recesses.
Quit smoking
If you are a smoker and you decide to opt for a dental implant in Richmond, then there’s a good chance that your dentist will advise you to stop smoking. Aside from the obvious health benefits, quitting smoking will also give your implants a better chance of success, but why? Simply because it’s been proven that bacteria is carried in tobacco smoke and this can attack the surrounding gum, eventually undermining the implant. In addition, smoking is also thought to slow down bone growth and this (in the form of osseointegration) is needed for implants to fully function. If you really can’t stop smoking for good, then your implant dentist may advise you to quit for the duration of the healing (bone growth) process. This can take up to 9 months.
Regular check-ups
After implant surgery, your dentist will want to keep a close eye on your new teeth to make sure that there are no underlying problems. Some implant problems aren’t that easy to spot unless you’re a trained specialist. So by attending regular check-ups, problems can be highlighted early and quickly addressed before they lead to further complications.
If you want to find out more about how to best care for dental implants in Richmond then speak to Sheen Dental. Dr Harmit Kalsi and his experienced team are standing by to help, so visit our website at www.sheendental.co.uk and book a free, no-obligation consultation with us.