How to Extend the Life of Your Implant Crown

Dental implants can potentially survive a lifetime of use; however, the implant crowns used for chewing and biting are vulnerable to the same factors that can damage natural teeth. Therefore, it is important to take proper precautions to extend the crown's lifespan.

Making implant crowns last longer

The following are tips to add more years to an implant crown and reduce the risk of damage:

Avoid harmful foods

Preserving the structure of dental implants requires avoiding specific foods and behaviors that might harm them. Chewing on ice, hard sweets, and hard objects should be avoided since they may shatter or disrupt the prosthetic teeth. To ensure the long-term attractiveness of the implant crown and natural teeth, patients should avoid cigarettes, coffee, and other tooth-staining substances.

Make healthy lifestyle choices

A healthy lifestyle goes hand in hand with extending the life of implant crowns. Patients need to make healthy decisions that will improve their general health and reduce the chance of harm to the teeth and gums. Patients prone to teeth clenching or grinding should consider getting treatment to avoid damaging the newly fitted crown.

Smoking is another behavior that endangers implants and oral health. Since the body functions as a whole, someone's lifestyle choices will have an impact on dental health and the longevity of their implants. Choose healthy behaviors that contribute to overall well-being to improve oral health while also extending the life of freshly placed teeth.

Maintain proper oral hygiene

Dental implants are comparable to natural teeth in many aspects, including their susceptibility to some of the same risks. The health and lifespan of the implants will be greatly influenced by proper at-home dental care. Daily flossing and twice-daily brushing, just like for natural teeth, can keep the crown and implant free of plaque-causing bacteria that may cause gum disease and damage. The dentist will offer additional care instructions and recommend frequent, proper brushing and flossing to help optimize the health of the implant and surrounding teeth and gums.

A regular dental checkup is important

Regular exams and thorough cleanings at the dental office are essential. The dentist may recommend more regular checks for patients at high risk for gum disease (such as those who have lost their natural teeth due to gum issues). A dental checkup and professional cleaning should be done every six months as a general rule.

During this appointment, the dentist will examine the implant and the surrounding regions. Maintaining this healthy, preventative practice extends the life and durability of the titanium screws and crowns and reduces the danger of gum disease, which might jeopardize the implant's longevity.

In summary

While the dental implant (fake tooth root) is expected to last a lifetime, the crowns, bridges, and dentures placed on top of it are less likely to last as long. Although implant crowns can last up to three decades, patients need to have them checked, repaired, or replaced every ten years or thereabout. Failure to maintain the implant restorations might jeopardize the implants themselves.

Request an appointment here: https://www.dentistlaplatamd.com or call The Wilhelm Dental Group at (240) 622-3547 for an appointment in our La Plata office.

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