Can Dental Implants Last a Lifetime?
September 6, 2017
When you have lost a tooth as an adult, a dental implant can be one of the most effective ways to replace it. Dental implants are bio-compatible posts inserted directly into your jawbone to provide support to a dental prosthetic like a crown or a bridge. The bone heals around the titanium implant fusing the tissue to the post and providing permanent stability to the jawbone, the prosthetic, and your remaining teeth. Dental implants are designed to last as long as your natural teeth. So, just like with your natural teeth, implants can last a lifetime with the proper care.
What Is Proper Care?
Caring for a dental implant is just like caring for your natural teeth. Regular visits to your dentist are important for all of your teeth to stay ahead of any potential issues. When you have a dental implant, it is just as important to visit your dentist every six months for exams and cleanings. Your dentist can check on your implant just as they check on your natural teeth. To keep your mouth healthy, it is important to both brush and floss at least twice daily. While prosthetic teeth are not susceptible to decay like real teeth are, your gums are still susceptible to gum disease. A lax routine in oral hygiene can cause other complications as well. Peri-implantitis can form from bad oral hygiene causing inflammation in the soft tissues and bone loss around the integrated implant. Crowns, bridges, and dentures can all be susceptible to wear and tear like your natural teeth. Mindful choices when biting and chewing are encouraged.
Implants Support the Bone and Vice Versa
Dental implants provide stimulation to the jawbone, which can keep bone resorption from happening. Bone resorption is when your body deems an area of bone useless; the body then starts to take minerals away from that area causing the jaw to soften and change shape. With the implant replacing the tooth’s roots in the role of stimulation, the body will not deem the area useless. Once the bone heals around the implant, the bone will provide a firm foundation for the implant.
Dental Implants Can Last a Lifetime.
Dental implants can offer long-term support for your smile. To find out if dental implants are right for you, schedule a consultation by calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.