Although a variety of options are available to replace a lost tooth, a dental implant is often the best choice. The device is most similar to the roots of a natural tooth and offers a base for the most realistic restorations. The implant even supplies stimulation to the jawbone to help it stay healthy and thick.

Additionally, a replacement device should not be needed. As long as proper care is exercised, the implant should last throughout the patient's lifetime.

Here are a few measures that you can take to ensure the longevity of your implant-based restoration.

Take Any Antibiotics That Your Dentist Prescribes

Often, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to be taken after the placement of your implant. Additionally, an antibacterial mouthwash may also be suggested.

The antibiotics and the mouth rinse help to eliminate oral bacteria that could lead to an infection and inflammation of the gums. If the gingival tissues around an implant become inflamed, a condition called peri-implantitis may develop. 

The condition, which is a type of gum disease, interferes with the healing of the soft tissues and bone around the implant. Since the stability of the implant is dependent on the success of its integration with the bone, an implant will fail if osseointegration does not occur.

Continue to Brush and Floss Regularly

An implant is made of titanium. The medical-grade material is bio-compatible and long-lasting. Unlike your natural tooth material, an implant cannot decay. Still, if you do not brush and floss regularly, plaque and bacteria may accumulate on the tissues around the device. The resulting gum disease may progress. eventually leading to bone loss. 

If the bone of the jaw shrinks or atrophies, the implant may become unstable. Once the implant becomes loose in the bone, it will not stabilize, so it's important to brush and floss as directed by your dentist.

Wear a Guard for Sports or Bruxism

A mouth guard is a protective device that may be used to prevent damage to the teeth. Sports guards are worn to absorb the force associated with a blow to the mouth that may result from inadvertent contact while participating in a sporting event. Additionally, night guards are used to protect the teeth from the bite forces produced when a person grinds their teeth at night. 

Trauma to the mouth can move an implant out of its position in the jawbone just as it can damage or loosen a tooth. 

For more ways to protect your dental implants, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your local area.