When you hear people talk about dental implants in Richmond, there’s a good chance that they’ll mention the fact that implants can last a lifetime. In truth this is a bit of a dubious statement because you have to ask yourself whose life are we talking about? That said some of the early implants that were fitted in the 1970’s are still going strong today. Therefore what we do know is that they can last for at least 35-40 years. With this in mind, what’s the secret to dental implant longevity?
Proper oral care
Okay, so this really isn’t that much of a secret, but good oral care is paramount to the health of a dental implant. This includes regular and thorough daily brushing and flossing just as you would your normal teeth, plus ongoing six monthly check-ups with your dentist. Simply by carrying out these tasks you’ll find that you can extend the life of your implants considerably.
So why is this?
The reality is that despite how strong and durable dental implants are, they are prone to bacteria and infection, especially in the early days. By brushing twice a day and flossing once a day any food particles or plaque can be eliminated. Just like your normal teeth, when plaque is allowed to build up it can attack the gum surrounding the implant causing it to weaken. Further decay can lead to peri-implantitis which can be painful. Often the only alternative when gum disease has got this far is to remove the infected implant, clear up the problem and fit a brand new one. Clearly not only is this going to be an extra expense, but it’s also going to be more evasive surgery, more time spent recovering and more inconvenience.
Live a healthy lifestyle
Believe it or not the longevity of your implants could ultimately depend on your lifestyle choices. For instance if you’re considering having a dental implant in Richmond, then chances are that you won’t be treated if you insist on smoking throughout your treatment period and recovery. As such you’ll be asked to quit smoking or at the very least for the duration of your treatment. The reason for this is that there are substances in tobacco (thought to be nicotine) that carry bacteria and as already stated, dental implants and bacteria don’t mix! In addition to this, smoking can also delay the bone fusion process (known as osseointegration) which is vital to the success of implants. In some cases it might not even take place at all. The same could be said for people with diabetes, particularly the uncontrollable kind. Conversely, if you don’t smoke, eat healthily and exercise regularly then you stand a far better chance of prolonging the life of yourself and your implants.
If you’re considering a dental implant in Richmond and want to find out more about how to look after them, then why not book a free, no-obligation consultation with us to explore your options. Contact Sheen Dental on 020 8876 5277 or visit our website at www.sheendental.co.uk today.