The Importance of Dental Implant After Care Explained
Modern day dental implants in Richmond are marvellous things. They’re by far the strongest form of missing teeth replacement that current dentistry offers, they’re also incredibly robust and lifelike to boot; but what really sets them apart from their counterparts is their longevity. A conventional denture for example has a shelf life of around 7-10 years. However by comparison, dental implants have been proven to last 40 years or more.
That said, implants aren’t a ‘fix and forget’ type of tooth replacement. People may be under the impression that just because an implant is artificial, it doesn’t warrant any attention and after care but they’d be wrong. On the contrary, to ensure implant longevity it needs regular and continuing after care.
Regular brushing and flossing
First and foremost, dental implants are a substantial outlay for any individual so it would be a shame to see them deteriorate rapidly through not looking after them properly. The fact is that it takes long-term commitment from a patient’s perspective to ensure that a dental implant remains both healthy and in top condition. This includes regular and thorough brushing and flossing, with particular care and attention being lavished on them during the early stages. The reason for this is that although dental implants are strong and durable they can easily come under attack from bacteria. Bacteria can attack the bone and gum that surrounds the implant, eventually causing it to become loose. This is why regular flossing and brushing are vital.
Quit smoking
In addition lifestyle choices such as smoking can also spread bacteria which can affect the implant, this is why implant patients are strongly advised to quit smoking altogether, or at the very least are urged to quit smoking until the implants are well established in the jaw. This can take up to 1 year to occur.
A healthy diet
An all round healthier lifestyle can help the fight against infections which can also wreak havoc with the mouth and dental implants. Therefore patients are also advised to exercise regularly and eat a well-balanced healthy diet.
Regular dental visits
Finally, regular dental visits are also key to dental implant longevity. The problem is that for the lay person many factors that can harm implants are hard to spot. What’s more they don’t normally cause any pain either. Therefore it’s imperative that the patient seeks regular check ups with their dentist. In doing so they can spot any problems and treat them early on before they cause any major lasting issues that might otherwise seriously affect the longevity of a dental implant. In Richmond for example we advise a dental check up every 3 months in the early stages of a newly placed implant and every six months after that.
As you can see it takes a lot of ongoing commitment to ensure that your implants are for life and not just for a few years. If you’d like to find out more about implant after care or are considering dental implants in Richmond as a form of missing tooth replacement, then we invite you to book a free, no-obligation consultation with us. During the consultation Dr Harmit Kalsi and the team will answer all your questions and concerns and discuss exactly how they can help you. To make an appointment, contact us directly on 020 8876 5277, or visit our website at www.sheendentalimplants.co.uk today.