Dental implants have revolutionized tooth replacement, offering a long-term solution to the age-old problem of missing teeth. If you're considering dental implants in Aurora, CO, you're likely wondering how long they'll last. Let's dive into the factors that determine the lifespan of these smile-transforming investments.
Your Dentist's Experience and Expertise
First and foremost, the expertise of your implant dentist in Aurora plays a crucial role in ensuring the longevity of your dental implants. Dr. Holly Baller of Baller Dental & Ortho at Southlands brings to the table years of experience and a commitment to the highest standards of patient care.
Quality dental implant placement significantly influences the long-term success rate, reducing the risk of complications and promoting healthy and long-lasting integration with your jawbone.
Proper Oral Hygiene
The durability of dental implants also relies heavily on maintaining excellent oral hygiene. Brush at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss once. If you don't feel confident about your hygiene skills or need a refresher, your hygienist will be happy to demonstrate the proper technique.
Smoking: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices
It's well-known that smoking has a detrimental effect on your overall health, but did you know it can also significantly reduce the lifespan of dental implants?
Smoking impairs blood flow to the gums and bone surrounding the implant site, affecting your body's ability to heal properly. This can lead to implant failure, where the implant doesn't properly integrate with the jawbone.
Smoking can also lead to peri-implantitis, a destructive inflammatory process affecting the soft and hard tissues around dental implants. This can lead to bone loss, a loose implant, or in severe cases, complete implant failure.
Staying Current with Dental Checkups and Cleanings
Regular dental checkups and cleanings are crucial in prolonging dental implants' lifespan. Like natural teeth, dental implants rely on a healthy environment to thrive.
Routine teeth cleanings allow your dental hygienist to remove plaque and tartar that accumulates around the teeth and implants. Maintaining healthy gums is crucial to implant longevity, as the gums form a seal around the implant that protects the underlying bone and the implant itself. Inflamed or receding gums can expose the implant, leading to potential infection, bone loss, and implant failure.
Are You Ready to Learn More about Dental Implants?
While dental implants are easy to care for and have the potential to last a lifetime, numerous factors affect their longevity. If you're considering dental implants in Aurora, CO, look no further than Baller Dental & Ortho at Southlands. With Dr. Baller's expertise and a commitment to your oral health, you're taking a step towards a lasting, confident smile.