If you are suffering from tooth loss, your implant dentist in Jacksonville can help you make a long-term investment in your smile and oral health. Dental implants are the most predicable and reliable form of tooth replacement, offering over a 95% 10-year success rate. With the right aftercare, your new smile has the potential to last for a lifetime. You can help to ensure that the dental implant post remains in place forever by maintaining your oral hygiene and following your dentist’s recommendations.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants in Jacksonville are designed to stay in place for a lifetime as the jawbone fuses to the post. However, for an unfortunate 5% of patients, late-term implant failure can occur. This is most often due to an infection that has resulted from poor oral hygiene, lack of regular dental care, or bad lifestyle choices. Thankfully, you can help to ensure that your implant post stays in place forever by caring for your smile properly.
In addition to the implant post, you have a custom-made dental crown filling the empty space. It will need to be replaced every 5 to 10 years. Although it is not subject to tooth decay, it experiences daily wear and tear. Over time, it will need to be replaced; however, there are several things you can do to help promote its longevity.
Make Sure Your New Smile Lasts
The biggest threat to implant failure involves infection. To prevent it from developing, it is best to be proactive about your oral hygiene. When brushing your teeth use a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent scratches from developing on the crown. Take the time to clean about the abutment and post well to remove plaque and bacteria. Often, a dental flosser is helpful, which can potentially remove as much as 99% of bacteria.
In addition to your home care, it is best to maintain your regular dental appointments for a cleaning and checkup. Not only will your dentist remove harmful plaque accumulations, but spot early signs of implant failure to provide quick intervention to restore your oral health. Your dentist may recommend the use of antimicrobial mouthrinses to help safeguard against harmful bacteria.
To lessen the risk for implant failure, stop any habits that can cause damage to your smile, like tobacco use, using your teeth as tools, or chewing on ice.
Invest in Your Smile
If you are suffering from tooth loss, dental implants offer an excellent opportunity to invest in your smile. With the right aftercare, you can achieve a life-long solution to replace your missing teeth.
About Dr. W. Scott Wagner
Dr. W. Scott Wagner not only received his dental medicine degree, but has also completed more than 100 hours of continued education each year. Due to his advanced training, he provides many areas of specialty services, including dental implants. If you are ready to treat your tooth loss with a successful solution, contact Eccella Smiles today to schedule a consultation for a new smile.