How to Make Implants Last a Lifetime

Many patients who opt for dental implants do so because of their longevity and durability. Over the course of a patient’s lifetime, dental implant treatment may actually prove less costly than other restorative treatment options. What these patients must also realize is that without proper care, even a permanent treatment such as dental implants can be damaged. Without proper nutrition, hygiene, and dental visits, implants can fail due to periodontal infection. This guide was designed to help patients understand how to protect their implants with at-home care.

Hygiene is Essential

Cleaning your dental implant is just as important as properly cleaning your natural teeth. The health of your implant prosthesis depends on the health of supporting tissues, which makes having healthy gums essential. As bacterial film accrues on teeth, it’s important to brush and floss teeth daily to remove it, otherwise leftover particles may cause infection. 

Regular dental visits will also help preserve the health of your implant, as your hygienist can complete a thorough cleaning and provide advice on your home care efforts. In cases where additional treatment is needed, such as periodontal cleanings or implant maintenance, you may need to see a specialist.

A Healthy and Balanced Diet

It’s well-known that balanced diet can positively impact your overall health and well-being, but many may not understand how it directly impacts the health of your teeth, gums, and bone. Since implants are integrated into your dental structure, a healthy diet supports their continued use. Here are some tips to enhance your oral health:

• Drinking a lot of water to help you preserve saliva production, which helps your mouth neutralize the acidity of the mouth.
• Opt for healthier snacks; sugary and salty snacking prohibits your saliva neutralizing acid throughout the day, so avoid snacking or choose healthier options.
• Avoid bad habits that can negatively impact oral health and damage your implants, including drinking alcohol, smoking, and drinking sugary soft drinks.

Contact our Oral Surgeon for Implant Care

Offering complete oral surgery care in Northern Virginia, Dr. Snehal Patel and his talented staff are available to help you learn more about how to care for your dental implant. If you have questions about on-going care or are interested in exploring dental implants as an upgrade from a denture or bridge, the team at Lorton Springfield Dental Implant and Oral Surgery invites you to call or visit!

Am I Too Old For Dental Implants?

When it comes to a patient’s eligibility for dental implants, age is just a number. While many older patients fear they’re not good candidates, the truth is their age has little to do with determining whether or not they can receive implants and restorations. Whether you’re tired of dentures impacting your lifestyle, or you’ve had crowns and bridges replaced, dental implants have the durability and longevity to positively impact your life in a variety of ways.

Implants Are Made to Last

You may have noticed that traditional dentures and restorations such as dentures, bridges, and crowns require repair or adjustment, especially as the jaw begins to shrink and lose strength. What’s more, the care routine for bridges and dentures is never quite as simple as taking care of your natural teeth. Fortunately, dental implants can last over 25 years with proper care and require nothing more than regular dental visits and proper brushing and flossing.

What Do I Need to Obtain Implants?

The main non-age related concern when placing implants is the amount of healthy bone capable of supporting the implant. A dental implant is secured to the jawbone, but without sufficient bone, there is a higher risk of the dental implant failing. Additionally, it’s recommended that patients have healthy gum tissue, free of periodontal disease, ensuring the longevity of the implant prosthesis.

In the instance where a patient does not have sufficient jawbone, your oral surgeon can perform bone grafting, which allows a patient to rebuild lost bone and will allow for implant placement when the tissues have healed. When infection threatens the success of this procedure, patients are provided antibiotics and additional treatments to re-establish oral health. With grafts and periodontal treatment, it may take some time for the smile to be ready for implants. The benefits to oral health and function far outweigh the time and financial costs required to complete dental implant treatment.

Visit one of our Lorton Springfield Oral Surgery Practices for an Implant Consultation!

No matter your age, dental implants can dramatically improve your quality of life by providing a durable and strong tooth replacement option that mimics the beauty of your natural teeth. For complete dental implant treatment, visit Dr. Snehal Patel of Lorton Springfield Dental Implant and Oral Surgery, your Northern Virginia implant specialist.