Smile Center NY

Blog

<<< BACK TO BLOG

Buffalo dentist’s unparalleled experience gets dental implants off to a healthy start for a lifetime of use

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email
Elderly man getting examined at dental office

After hearing about dental implants, you may be left with the impression that they can last “indefinitely.” Clinical studies seem to support this idea. It’s been widely reported that more than 95 percent of implants were still going strong at least 20 years after placement.

Other options, such as dental bridges, generally have a lifespan of about 10 years. There are some factors that can influence how long your new tooth or new teeth last.

Congratulations! You’re off to a good start.

By turning to Dr. Gordon Kent, you are turning to a dentist boasting more experience with dental implants than any other professional in the Greater Buffalo region. The ability for your implant to fuse with the bone or osseointegrate, as well as the avoidance of implant-related complications, is dependent on the skill of the clinician.

It’s important to turn an experienced professional to ensure:

  • Proper selection of implant sites
  • Appropriate spacing of implants
  • Appropriate number of implants to support new teeth
  • Proper implant design
  • Skilled surgical techniques

Now, it’s your turn

Dr. Kent and his team ensure the success of your implant placement, but it’s up to the patient to practice good home care and avoid habits that can potentially harm the implant.

Studies have found smoking is a significant reason implants fail. The effects of tobacco on the oral cavity are well-documented; smoking is associated with increased presence and severity of gum damage. It is associated with deeper periodontal pockets, which are shallow areas between the teeth that harbor harmful bacteria.

It’s also important to manage other medical conditions for overall health and the health of your implant. For instance, diabetes reduces the body’s ability to defend itself from bacterial invasion, which makes your implant vulnerable.

It’s always a good idea to keep stress in check. Stress, like diabetes, also impairs immune-functioning and it is linked to xerostomia or dry mouth. Saliva is a natural cleanser. When the production of saliva slows or comes to a halt, you can’t effectively cleanse your mouth of food debris and germs, a scenario that puts you at risk of complications that threaten the lifespan of your implant.

Since dental implant-supported teeth are designed like natural, healthy teeth, the same habits that keep natural teeth healthy apply here. While it’s true dental implant-supported teeth don’t decay the same way as natural teeth, they can develop a condition called peri-implantitis, which is similar to the inflammation seen with periodontal disease. It’s critical you maintain thorough, consistent flossing and brushing habits, follow-up appointments, and ongoing check-ups and professional cleanings to keep this inflammation from developing around the implant.

One of the many great things about partnering with the Smile Center is you stay with the team you know and trust throughout the entire process, from the initial exam and consultation to implant placement, follow-up, and ongoing maintenance of your oral health.

The Smile Center will never have to refer you out to unfamiliar specialists who don’t have Dr. Kent’s more than 35 years of experience in the Buffalo area with this preferred tooth replacement option: dental implants. Call .