Dental implants are excellent solutions for replacing missing teeth. At Ford Dental Group, they’re a common remedy for many dental conditions.
Dental implants are drilled into the jawbone, allowing dentists to anchor a dental crown, the visible piece that poses as your artificial tooth. This implant is usually made from either zirconium or titanium, both of which are extremely durable. Your implant can last for over 20 years, as long as the patient takes good care of them. However, the abutment and crown usually require replacement every five to 10 years. This is primarily because they are exposed to food particles and the vast majority of chewing forces. Bruxism, a condition where the patient constantly grinds or clenches their teeth, can also reduce the lifespan of dental implants.
Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
Although the success rate of dental implants is very high, it is possible for them to fail a few months or years after the procedure. Some of the most common reasons for dental implant failure include:
- Implant misalignment due to inaccurate dental implant placement
- Inaccurate impressions of the patient’s oral cavity
- Infections such as peri-implantitis that lead to bone loss
- Poor commitment to oral hygiene
- Nerve damage
- An immune response to the implant
Dental Implant Materials
Dental implants are made from a variety of materials, including zirconium, titanium, and alloy. However, some of the components of the implant may be made from stainless steel, cobalt chromium, and gold alloys. Most oral surgeons and patients opt for titanium because of its high resistance to corrosion and low failure rate. Some patients are now opting for zirconia implants due to their non-allergic properties. They also have high biocompatibility, which means that the body is less likely to mount an attack against the implant.
What Steps Can I Take To Increase The Longevity Of My Dental Implants?
Dental implants can last a long time as long as the patient practices good oral hygiene and maintains regular dental appointments. Here are a few tips to increase the longevity of your dental implants.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Just because dental implants are artificial doesn’t mean that patients can shelve their oral hygiene routine. You must continue to brush twice a day for two minutes each, floss using an implant-friendly floss, and use mouthwash. These habits will prevent infections and increase the lifespan of your implants.
Get Regular Oral Exams
Make sure to see Dr. Jonathan Ford once every six months for an oral examination. This checkup also includes an inspection of your dental implants, gum health, and jawbone health. Regular exams will alert you to any infections and diseases and treat them at an early stage.
Make Lifestyle Changes
Healthy lifestyle changes, such as working out and quitting smoking, can go a long way in improving the longevity of your dental implants. In fact, many patients don’t qualify for dental implant procedures simply because they are cigarette and tobacco users. Smoking can also increase the chances of oral cancer and gum disease, which can lead to dental implant failure.
Ready to get an oral exam by an expert dentist? Get in touch with our expert dentists at Ford Dental Group. Call us at (714) 409-6161 to book an appointment.
