If you’re considering dental implants, it’s natural to want to know their level of durability. Turns out, various factors, from the quality of the implant material and jawbone density to a patient’s oral hygiene habits all determine how long they truly last. By going over each of these with you, our Southgate, MI, dental implant dentists can help you make informed decisions and take proactive steps to ensure your restoration(s) stand the test of time.
Here’s what contributes to the impressive and how you can maximize their longevity for a confident smile.
How Dental Implants Are Constructed
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.
What Is Osseointegration?
The term “” 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.
Generally speaking, after the placement of dental implants, you can expect for osseointegration and full healing to take several months. This is obviously much longer than other types of restoration but 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.
Why Do I Have to Take Care of Dental Implants?
It might seem strange that basic oral maintenance is still needed to maintain a dental implant 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.
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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.
Factors That Influence Dental Implant “Failure”
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.
Get Evaluated for Dental Implants
It goes without saying that dental implants are amazing. However, they do still rely on a few critical pieces being in place for there to be true success. Our , can evaluate your jawbone and medical history before moving forward with the procedure should you be interested. Call Northline Dental today at (734) 284-8088 to request an appointment.
This blog post has been updated.