Life with implants: how to keep a smile for a long time

      Tsitsuashvili

      Ilia Davidovich — Implantologist, network of scientific dentists Dentistoff

      

      Modern dental implantation can work wonders — bring back a beautiful smile and the opportunity to enjoy your favorite food. But how long will the implants last and what affects their service life? We are working together with Ilia Tsitsuashvili, an implantologist at the Dentistoff Clinic.

      Lifetime warranty — myth or reality?

      "In theory, an implant can last a lifetime, just like your own tooth," explains Dr. Tsitsuashvili. All manufacturers of implants, from budget South Korean to expensive Swiss, give a lifetime warranty on their products. However, it is important to understand that the service life depends on many factors.

      

      Two things play a key role even during the installation of the implant: a sufficient amount of bone tissue and healthy gums. "The gum should perform its protective function — to prevent food from getting between the crown, gum and implant," explains the specialist. If these conditions are met and the implantation is performed efficiently, the chances of a long service life of the implant increase significantly.

      Features of daily care

      A common misconception is that an artificial tooth does not require special care. In fact, implants need even more care than native teeth.

      "The implant likes hygiene, it likes to be clean around it at all times," emphasizes Ilia Tsitsuashvili. The basic rules of care include:

      

      Daily brushing of teeth with a soft brush in the morning and evening.

      The use of dental floss after meals.

      Regular use of an irrigator (especially after the implant has been implanted).

      

      An important point is the proper use of an irrigator. In the first month after the implant is installed, you should be especially careful with the water pressure. From the second month, you can gradually increase the strength of the jet.

      What can shorten the life of the implant

      Various factors affect the durability of implants. Among the main ones:

      

      Bad habits. Smoking and alcohol are dangerous because they destroy both soft tissues and bone. And everywhere, not only around the implants, but also around the rest of the teeth. "This will be a generalized process that comprehensively affects the entire situation in the oral cavity," warns the doctor.

      Systemic diseases. With diabetes or osteoporosis, bone tissue becomes more loose and brittle. Because of this, it can gradually break down around both regular teeth and implants.

      Improper hygiene. As Dr. Tsitsuashvili explains, insufficient attention to hygiene leads to serious consequences. If plaque is allowed to accumulate under the crown, the bacteria can provoke an inflammatory process in the surrounding tissues.

      

      An interesting fact: the consumption of sweets and soda does not directly affect the condition of implants, unlike natural teeth. But this is definitely not a reason to neglect a healthy diet.

      When to sound the alarm

      Regular routine checkups help identify problems at an early stage. But there are situations that require an unscheduled visit to the doctor.:

      

      The appearance of discomfort or pain in the area of the implant.

      Bleeding gums when brushing.

      Crown mobility.

      Bad breath.

      

      Most alarming situations can be avoided if you carefully monitor the condition of the implants. The key to preventing problems is regular monitoring by a specialist and professional cleaning every six months or a year. This approach helps to notice and eliminate even minor difficulties in time, preventing them from escalating into serious problems.

      How to take care of implants correctly

      To make the implants last as long as possible:

      

      Maintain perfect oral hygiene.

      Visit your dentist regularly for routine checkups.

      Contact a specialist in a timely manner if you experience discomfort.

      If possible, give up bad habits.

      Follow all the doctor's recommendations for care.

      

      Special attention should be paid to hygiene during the period of implant implantation. It is recommended at this time:

      

      Use the softest possible toothbrush.

      Apply sweeping movements when cleaning.

      Be especially careful in the area of implant placement.

      Use special antiseptic agents.

      

      If these rules are followed, a well-installed implant can last for decades. Modern technologies and materials, as well as the right professional approach, make it possible to achieve excellent long-term results in restoring lost teeth.