It doesn’t matter if it’s full arch or single-tooth replacement, there’s an investment of time and money that’s made. Because of this, it’s normal to want to know how long a restoration, like dental implants, lasts. That’s where our Brighton, MI, dental implant dentists come in. We can evaluate your smile and let you know more about this option’s durability.
Here’s what impacts the and how you can enjoy them for years to come.
If you’re curious as to why tooth implants get billed as long-lasting, all you have to do is learn about their base materials and overall design. Most commonly, implants are constructed using titanium alloy which is highly resistant to fracture, non-corrosive, and much better at handling pressure over time than other tooth replacement options.
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In terms of how they’re designed, a single-tooth dental implant is meant to mimic a natural tooth root. Sure, it’s not the same, but all of the necessary components are there and because the implant is placed surgically, it’s able to become a permanent part of your mouth instead of resting on top of the gum line.
A complete implant consists of 3 major parts: the porcelain dental crown, the abutment (connector piece), and the post/screw. These all combine together to not only look great, but to function like a real tooth would and bonus, stimulate the jawbone which is needed to keep it healthy in the long run.
The term “osseointegration” is a bit of a mouthful but it’s a natural process that involves the metal post fusing with your jawbone which greatly contributes to the . If this didn’t happen, there wouldn’t be any stability. Some patients may require prior to dental implant placement to build up the jawbone where it has deteriorated.
Generally speaking, you can expect for osseointegration and full healing to take several months after dental implant surgery. Your timeline may also be altered if bone grafting needs to occur. While this is much longer than other types of restoration, many of our patients would agree that the time required for the dental implant process is well worth the end result. Our local dental implant dentists can discuss your individual situation with you so you’re aware of all commitments.
It might seem strange that basic oral maintenance is still needed to maintain this type of permanent tooth replacement even though it’s not alive or natural. The purpose of brushing at least twice a day, flossing at least once daily, and receiving professional teeth cleanings every 6 months is more so to keep your remaining teeth and surrounding gums healthy. If they were to deteriorate, the support for your implant would be in jeopardy.
Sticking to a strict oral hygiene routine after replacing teeth with dental implants will not only benefit your new restoration, but your overall mouth health as well. Our dentists also recommend positive lifestyle choices like refraining from smoking or using tobacco products, especially during the healing process. Amazingly, implants can last the rest of your life if cared for properly.
While it is more rare, dental implants can fail if something goes wrong soon after placement or there are conflicting health conditions like diabetes. Physical injuries to the mouth or dental emergencies can disrupt the healing process while munching on harder foods before the bone has become strong enough can also cause issues and a higher chance of failure.
Accidental circumstances aside, our dentists only want to set you up for success so we’ll always start with a dental implant consultation. If we find through exams, medical records, and dental X-rays that implants are not for you, we’ll explore other suitable procedures like dental bridges or dentures.
If you’re interested in a durable solution to missing teeth, our dental implant dentists in Brighton, MI, would be happy to speak with you one-on-one. Call Schaefer Dental Group today at (810) 229-2126 to request an appointment.