Implants are just like natural teeth in that they need to be looked after in order to last a lifetime.
Just like your natural teeth, it’s important to brush and floss an implant daily. Bacteria can harbour around the implant and cause an infection that can lead to loss of the implant, just like with your natural teeth. Your dentist can show you how to floss effectively around the implant to ensure it stays healthy for life.
Another important maintenance tip for dental implant longevity is to make sure you aren’t grinding your teeth in your sleep. Grinding can cause chips and breaks to your implant crown, which leads to costly repairs. If you grind in your sleep, a dentist can make you an overnight splint that will help protect your implant and your other teeth from undue wear and tear.
Implant surgery success rates are extremely high and an implant can last a long time if it’s taken care of. With simple maintenance at home, you can avoid complications after a successful implant surgery.