When you are looking at possible dental restorations, you soon find out that one really stands out at the prize restoration: the dental implant. Other options can only boast a 10-15 year lifespan, while an implant will last for the rest of your life! The key to that longevity, however, is that you take care of your implant. Even the strongest restoration can be ruined by this one simple mistake.

The problem lies in gum disease. Gum disease is an infection where bacteria works down through the gums to the jawbone. The bacteria weakens the bone, which makes the tooth loose to the point of coming out. It can do the same to a dental implant. After spending the money for the dental restoration, the last thing you want to do is to lose that restoration from a disease that is completely preventable!

Preventing Gum Disease

Prevention of gum disease is very simple. Brush and floss at least twice a day, remember to floss around your implant, and maintain routine dental cleanings. Even if you develop the beginning of an infection, we can remove the risk with one dental cleaning. By maintaining these simple rules of oral hygiene, you have nothing to worry about and can plan to keep your implant for a very, very long time!

Making the decision for a dental implant is a good decision, but it takes some effort to maintain that implant! Follow oral hygiene routines, and keep your mouth healthy so that your implant really will last a lifetime. Contact us today to set up your next cleaning and exam. We’d love to hear what you think about your implant!