If you’re looking to find a long-term solution to replace your missing or severely damaged teeth, consider getting Port St. Lucie dental implants. Aside from the fact that they look and feel like your natural teeth, they also maintain your jaw’s natural shape. Although dental implants are meant to last for a long time, certain factors can affect their viability.

What are the Factors that Affect the Lifespan of Dental Implants?

Oral Hygiene

Your dental implant can fail when the area around it becomes infected because of the accumulation of plaque and destructive bacteria. Patients who practice excellent oral hygiene tend to have dental implants that last longer than those who don’t brush, floss, and see their dentists on a regular basis.

Nutrition

Nutrition is an important factor that affects your dental implant’s lifespan. For instance, for the first week after your surgery, you’ll need to maintain a soft diet so that your jawbones and gums could heal and bond with your implants’ titanium posts. During your recovery period, you’ll also need to steer clear of sticky, hard, or chewy foods because these foods can potentially cause damage to your implants’ dental crowns.

Genetics

Did you know that genetic diseases can run in families? If you’re genetically predisposed to gum disease, you’ll need to take extra care when it comes to preventing gum infections that will only threaten to reduce the lifespan of your dental implant.

Lifestyle and Health Conditions

Certain medications and medical conditions that include diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis will not only slow the healing process by they will also prevent bonding between your jawbone and the titanium posts. Furthermore, dental implants may also fail if the patient smokes because smoking can restrict blood flow to the gums.

Learn More About Port St. Lucie Dental Implants

If you need more information about Port St. Lucie dental implants, contact the experts at Smooth Sailing Dental to schedule a consultation.