Dental Implants Rancho Bernardo

Dental implants are designed to last 30+ years with proper care and maintenance. However, much of their lifespan depends on how well you take care of them. When meeting with your implant dentist in Rancho Bernardo, you will receive clear instructions as to how you should plan to maintain your new teeth, some of which include:

• Brushing, flossing, and rinsing daily
• Keeping your six-month dental checkups and cleanings
• Avoiding sugary and starchy foods to minimize your risk for gum disease
• Avoiding the use of tobacco products
• Never using your teeth as tools to open packages or containers

Yes, for most patients, dental implants are completely safe. It is necessary, however, that a person has good general oral and overall health and a jawbone that is dense enough to support your new prosthetics. The only way to determine if you are eligible for treatment is to speak with Dr. Howard and our dental team during an initial consultation. If your jawbone is inadequate, it will be necessary to perform a bone graft to ensure that your dental implants are successful years from now. If you have an autoimmune disorder or another medical condition, it may be wise to discuss other potential forms of treatment.

Upon initial placement, most patients experience a 95% success rate, especially when placed by a skilled professional. But again, the success of your implants is largely dependent upon your willingness to take care of them appropriately. You might also discuss with your dentist the chances of success depending on the location of your implants. Those located in the back of the mouth (the molars) may be more likely to fail simply because of the continuous stress they are under as a result of daily chewing and eating.

Once you are in your mid-late 20s, there is no age cap for dental implants. No matter if you’re 65 or 95, dental implants can be an ideal solution for tooth loss, but you should be aware that the older you are, the more likely you are to experience different health problems that can potentially complicate the dental implant process. This is a discussion you can have with Dr. Howard to determine your eligibility and if dental implants are right for you.