How long will a dental implant last?

This is a very difficult question to answer. Successful oral surgery depends on you keeping your mouth as clean as possible.

What oral hygiene routine should I follow after dental implant surgery?

• You should start cleaning your other teeth as normal with a toothbrush, starting on the evening of your surgery. Avoid brushing the surgical site for the first few days, but then begin to carefully clean this area with a toothbrush as well, once tenderness permits.
• Hot salt mouthwashes are very beneficial for healing in the first week.
• Try to keep food away from the surgical area for as long as possible. Rinse following eating to keep the area clean.

Will there be swelling or bruising around the dental implant?

You may have some swelling and/or bruising following your treatment – this usually reaches a peak two to three days later. This is quite normal and will subside naturally after a few days. Swelling can be reduced with ice packs. After twenty-four hours, gentle heat is more beneficial. Sleeping propped up slightly on two to three pillows may also help.

Some minor bleeding after surgery in the mouth is perfectly normal. If this persists, apply pressure by biting firmly down over the area on a dampened gauze swab or clean handkerchief for sixty minutes whilst sitting upright.

If you have been given a course of antibiotics to take after your surgery, please ensure that you complete the course.

How do I care for my dental implant supported teeth?

Once the dental implants are settled, the surrounding gum and bone are healthy and the new teeth comfortable and fit well, it is the quality of your hygiene at home and your willingness to return for regular dental implant and hygiene reviews that will have most influence on how long your dental implants will last.

If dental implants are poorly cared for, a covering of calculus and plaque will develop – as with neglected natural teeth. If left untreated, calculus and plaque will lead to gum disease, bleeding and discomfort – as with neglected natural teeth. Maintenance-wise, dental implant -supported teeth have similar maintenance requirements as conventional crowns, bridges and dentures – they need occasional repairs or replacements during their lifetime.

If dental implants are placed into sufficient bone and are well cared, maintained and reviewed on a regular basis, they can be expected to last for many years.

Modern dental implants have a history of over 30 years, and the data generated worldwide states that 95% of implants can be expected to last for a period of 15-20 years + (accurate data collection started about 20 years ago), and predictions are that 90% of dental implants should last a lifetime in correct conditions.

If you have further questions about the dental implant procedure, contact Benfleet Dental Centre on 01702 557766 or schedule a visit with any of our dentists for answers.