A dental implant is a permanent solution for restoring one or more missing teeth. While they are the most effective way to restore your smile, they also have a higher upfront cost and require several dental visits. If your dentist has recommended you get a dental implant, you may be wondering, ‘do dental implants last forever’?
You can get a free consultation at your local dental clinic, and your dentist can help you understand what dental implants are, their benefits, and how to care for them. This can help you decide if dental implants are the right treatment option.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant looks like a tiny titanium screw. The screw is surgically embedded into your jawbone, and an abutment (connector) is placed on top in a separate surgery. Once the site heals, an artificial tooth is added, so your fake tooth looks and functions like your original tooth. Some of the advantages of dental implants include:
- Restoring chewing function
- Preventing more bone loss
- Stabilisation of adjacent teeth
- Realistic appearance
- They can last for decades
Do Dental Implants Last Forever?
When they ask, ‘do dental implants last forever’? patients often forget that a dental implant has more than one part. The titanium screw that sits within or on the jawbone is designed to be a permanent structure in your mouth. As the bone grows around the implant, it becomes integrated with the jawbone.
The dental crown attached to it may eventually need replacement due to normal wear, chewing, or staining. Crowns don’t decay, but because of discolouration, chipping or breakage, between 50% and 80% of crowns need to be replaced within 15-20 years.
Some medical conditions, such as active gum disease, an autoimmune condition, and blood disorders, may also decrease the likelihood of the success of dental implants. Other factors your dentist may consider a risk include medication that can interfere with wound healing or if you are a smoker.
How Do I Maintain My Dental Implant?
Proper oral hygiene is essential whether or not you have dental implants.
Take care of your implant by brushing regularly, and floss down to the gum line. Avoid pushing the floss into the gum pocket and use a thick, waxed floss or a Waterpik to reduce damage to the implant.
Dental implants aren’t susceptible to tooth decay but can be affected by gum disease, like normal teeth. Dental implants can become loose or fail if the inflammation of the gums or bone loss is left untreated.
Regular checkups are recommended after your dental implant surgery to ensure there is no inflammation, injury, or damage.
Talk to Your Dentist About Dental Implants
Get a free dental consultation near you to find out if the dental implant procedure is right for you, and learn more about the process. At Bright Dental Group, you’ll find a dentist that offers a free consultation for the latest preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental solutions tailored to suit your oral health needs. Call us now on (02) 4708 9691.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Are Dental Implants Permanent?
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/how-long-do-dental-implants-last
Dental implant procedure
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dental-implant#searchGeneralResults
Everything to Know About a Dental Implant Procedure
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/dental-implant-procedure
Dental implants
https://www.teeth.org.au/dental-implants
Although dental implants have been used in dentistry since the 1960s, recent innovations such as digital imaging, CAD/CAM technology, and Read more
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