Getting dental implants definitely takes a little longer than temporary restorations like dentures and dental bridges, but for good reason! Because they are attached to the jawbone, these durable, realistic restorations should last a lifetime. But that’s only if you take proper care of them. Here’s a closer look at some best practices, including how to keep your dental implant crowns as white and bright as day one!
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the world’s only permanent tooth replacement solution. They work by surgically inserting a titanium or zirconia post into the jaw, where it is designed to remain in place for a lifetime. By securing to the bone, the implant simulates the roots of a tooth, so it not only stays in place, but it prevents further loss of the surrounding teeth.
The implant itself is connected to an abutment and a crown, either in the form of a single tooth, bridge, or denture. These look and feel just like real teeth, and because they’re permanent, don’t need to come out overnight or for cleaning. In fact, with the exception of some types of implant dentures, all must be removed by a dentist.
Dental implant crowns are typically made of a durable, lifelike porcelain which both looks and feels like real enamel, blending in seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
How Can I Reduce My Risk of Dental Implant Failure?
Although dental implants have an impressive 95 percent success rate even ten years after placement, there’s still a chance that they can fail. While it’s not always possible to prevent this, there are a few things you can do to help keep your restorations in good shape, including:
- Brushing twice a day and flossing daily.
- Never use your teeth for anything besides food (no biting your nails or tearing open packages).
- Don’t smoke or use tobacco products (yes, that includes vaping).
- If you grind your teeth or play sports, wear a nightguard or sports mouthguard.
- Visit your dentist or periodontist every six months for your regular preventive exams and cleanings.
How Can I Prevent My Dental Implants from Staining?
While your dental implants should be securely attached to your jaw for the rest of your life, there’s always a chance you’ll need to replace a crown, bridge, or denture due to damage or wear. Many patients are concerned about their diet potentially staining their restoration, but the good news is that unlike real teeth, it is very difficult to stain porcelain. In fact, if it does become discolored, you won’t be able to whiten it with traditional methods like whitening toothpaste or treatments from your dentist. Instead, schedule an appointment with your periodontist and see if a regular cleaning will help. If not, it may be possible to have the porcelain re-shaded, or it may need to be replaced. Thankfully, this should be a lot faster and comfortably than the initial procedure!
Remember, while it’s certainly harder to stain prosthetic teeth, it’s understandable that you’d want your restored smile to be as white and bright as possible. Thus, if your new pearly whites are looking a little more lackluster than you’d like, speak to your dentist today about your options, and get back that gorgeous gleaming grin you worked so hard for!
About Our Practice
At Prime Periodontics & Implants, Dr. Al Yafi and Dr. Ismail want to help bring back your healthy, beautiful smile. If your dental implants look a little discolored or dingy, don’t hide them away from the world. Schedule an appointment today and let us help restore their original luster. To get started, visit our website or call 469-527-9336.
