Implant Lifespan: Using It Longer with Proper Care

Interest in implants is steadily increasing. For people suffering from tooth damage or loss, implants are emerging as a top treatment option.

One important reason is the lower cost of implant procedures due to advances in technology, along with the excellent effectiveness and long lifespan of implants. Titanium, used in implant procedures, is harmless to the human body and resistant to corrosion, which is the key to maintaining artificial teeth for a long period of time.

Compared with dentures or bridges, implants have many advantages. However, if you trust them blindly and neglect maintenance, unwanted results such as implant loss can occur. If proper oral care and regular checkups are neglected, inflammation can develop and the gums can recede.

▲How can implant lifespan be extended?

There are many causes of tooth loss, but if the loss was due to improper oral care, then extra attention is needed after implant treatment. If you do not break old bad habits and continue to neglect oral care, the problem may recur and you could even lose the implant.

In response, a specialist explained, "Implants are generally intended to have a semi-permanent lifespan. However, their lifespan can vary depending on each individual's health, oral hygiene, and regular checkups."

Depending on various factors, implants can be used for 10 years or even more than 30 years. The most important thing is everyday lifestyle habits and care. Maintaining oral cleanliness comes first, and in particular, when brushing, you should rotate the toothbrush and carefully clean every corner of the gums. For the spaces between teeth and around molars, you should use interdental brushes so that no food debris remains.

Specialists said, "After surgery, alcohol and smoking are among the factors that shorten the lifespan of implants. In particular, when the temperature inside the mouth rises due to smoke inhaled while smoking, delays can occur in the initial healing process. Therefore, you should avoid alcohol and smoking for at least two weeks, and if possible, we recommend not doing them in the future as well."

In addition, avoiding hard foods such as dried squid, and using dental floss or interdental brushes after meals to maintain stronger hygiene, can also help prevent damage to implant prosthetics. Of course, regular oral examinations are one of the essential management methods. Let us strive to maintain healthy teeth for a lifetime through proper implant care.