How Long Do Implant Supported Dentures Last?

Port Huron Implant supported dentures are comprised of three parts: the post or implant which acts as the tooth’s root and is typically made of titanium or zirconia. Both materials are incredibly durable, hard-wearing, and corrosion resistant. As such, 95% of these posts are still in function 25 years later. The other two components of the implant supported denture are the abutment, which fastens to the implant and holds the denture in place, and the denture, which replaces your natural teeth and attaches to the abutment. The abutment may be made of gold, stainless steel, or most commonly titanium, and dentures are typically made of acrylic. Acrylic is susceptible to wear just like tires on a road, the more you use the dentures the faster the acrylic will wear.

Several factors will affect the longevity of your implant supported dentures, one of the most important being your oral hygiene routine. Your lifestyle habits will also determine the longevity of your implants, such as your diet, whether you have underlying medical or oral health issues, and weather you are a smoker. Finally, implant supported dentures can be damaged unnecessarily by engaging in risky behavior, such as opening bottles with your teeth, biting on pencils, or using your teeth to open packages. In short: the better care you take of your implant supported dentures, the longer they will last.

Aftercare Instructions

It is important to follow aftercare instructions throughout the implant supported denture process to minimize risk of complications and avoid damaging parts of your implant. During the recovery period, it is important to follow these steps until the healing process is complete:

• Avoid brushing or touching the surgical area
• Follow a soft food diet for two or up to six weeks, slowly reintroducing hard foods as you heal
• Avoid foods that are extremely cold or hot
• Do not spit or use a straw for at least 24 hours following surgery
• Avoid tobacco or alcohol
• Avoid hot or cold foods
• Stick to a soft food diet for two weeks or longer
• Avoid or limit physical activity for 24-72 hours or longer if possible

In addition to following these post-procedural instructions, to ensure that you sustain the health of your implant supported dentures and continue to enjoy a bright, healthy smile, it is essential that you practice good oral self-care. This includes brushing twice daily and flossing at least once a day. It is also important to eat a balanced diet, lead a healthy lifestyle, and schedule regular dental checkups at least every six months. Scheduling these regular checkups allows your dentist or periodontist to monitor the status of your implant supported dentures and your overall oral health. During these checkups, you will also receive a professional cleaning, which will help ensure that you continue to enjoy good oral health and a bright, healthy smile for many years to come!

More on Implant Supported Dentures : What are Implant Supported Dentures?