While some may think replacing a missing tooth (or teeth) is for cosmetic purposes only, having missing teeth can affect your overall oral health and wellness, welcoming potential decay, teeth migration, and other serious dental issues.
Whether you’re experiencing tooth decay or have one or more missing teeth, your dentist may recommend placing a dental implant to help preserve your smile and improve your oral health and wellness.
What is the Dental Implant Process?
The dental implant process can vary slightly from one case to another, as each patient’s case is different. Dental implants are fastened to your jawbone, and they require ample healing time to ensure the implant has fused with your bone and is ready to offer sturdy support for chewing, etc. Because of the significance of healing time in the dental implant process, you can expect multiple visits over a period.
While every case is different, the general dental implant surgical process consists of three-to-four unique stages that may require enough healing time before moving forward:
- Possible bone grafting to boost insufficient jawbone support
- Placing dental implant post
- Attaching the abutment
- Placing a crown on the abutment
Depending on the dental implant your dentist uses, your dentist may be able to combine or complete one or more of these stages in one visit. It’s important to be patient with the process, as your dental implant must have enough time to adhere to the jaw and heal. After your initial consultation, your Dakota Dental team will be able to give you a more accurate representation of your timeframe, while addressing any concerns or questions you may have.
Do Dental Implants Last Forever?
While dental implants are made from durable corrosion-resistant materials, they don’t last forever. According to Keystone Dental, implants can “last approximately 30 years.” It’s important to note that the lifespan of your dental implant depends largely on how well you care for it.
What is the Failure Rate of Dental Implants?
There are a variety of factors that could influence a dental implant to fail. The Texas Center for Cosmetic Dentistry states that dental implant failure is likely the cause of preexisting medical conditions, diseases, and implant misuse, and advances in dental implant technology has made issues with implant rejection and functionality more concerns of the past. At your initial consultation, be sure to discuss your complete medical history and oral health goals with your Dakota Dental team, and we can create an appropriate treatment plan and discuss proper dental implant care with you, so you can leave confident that your implant(s) will last years to come.
4 Tips to Ensure Your Dental Implants Last
To care for your dental implant(s), follow these four oral care tips:
- Maintain healthy oral hygiene. One of the biggest advantages of dental implants is that they look and act like your natural teeth. Brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing once a day, and using an alcohol-free mouthwash will help keep your smile looking bright, while maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
- Routinely visit your dentist for cleanings and implant checkups. Your Dakota Dental team can help maintain, monitor, and assess your oral health and spot potential concerns as they arise, such as gum disease, teeth grinding, etc.
- Avoid chewing hard foods. Your dental implants are made from durable materials; however, like your natural teeth, chewing hard candies and foods could cause your dental implants to crack and break.
- Avoid smoking. Smoking can impact your natural healing process after any oral procedure and puts you more at a risk for oral cancer, gum disease, and more.
Restore Your Healthy Smile at Dakota Dental
If you’re expecting to lose a tooth or are dissatisfied with your smile, you may be wondering if dental implants could work for you. At Dakota Dental, our team of dental specialists offer professional dental implant services to help our patients restore their smile and improve their oral health. During your initial dental implant consultation, your Dakota Dental team will listen to your concerns, provide a comprehensive dental exam, assess your oral health, and run the necessary diagnostic testing, so we can recommend the best dental replacement option for you and your goals.
Ready to get started? Contact us today, or visit our website to schedule an appointment where a member of our dental team can discuss and create a personalized treatment plan that’ll help you achieve your healthiest smile yet!