12 Mar Will Dental Implants Last a Lifetime?
Dental implants have been around a lot longer than most people think. However, the current treatment with a titanium implant is in its dental infancy having been around only for the last half century. However, if recent history is an indicator, dental implants that successfully become a permanent part of a patient’s dental anatomy stand an excellent chance to last their lifetime.
The small titanium that is embedded in gum tissue is selected for multiple reasons. Research has proven that titanium has an advantage over many other metals in that bone tissue will grow and adhere to titanium integrating into gum tissue to provide the perfect support mechanism for one or more dental restorations. This process is known as osseointegration.
Titanium has also been tested and proven to be an ideal material as the human body accepts this metal without the concerns of rejection that are often experienced when introducing foreign objects for implant.
Once the implant has been embedded in gum tissue, the patient will have a four to six month waiting period for the implant to heal. During this time, the implant is covered and protected; however, it is the responsibility of the patient to keep the area clean to prevent infection.
At the uncovering, the dentist will complete the implant process using the cosmetic restoration as the final piece of the treatment. Whether this is to replace one tooth, support a bridge, or complete with a total dental arch, the cosmetic aspect of treatment is fabricated to closely match surrounding natural teeth in color, shape, and size.
Dental implants are virtually undetectable, providing aesthetics that rival natural teeth; total function is restored allowing the patient to eat all the foods they love, speak without fear of a slipping prosthetic, and smile with renewed self-confidence knowing their teeth look their absolute best.
Caring for the dental implant is the same as for biological teeth … daily brushing and flossing coupled with twice annual visits to the dentist for a thorough cleaning and exam are critical to the success of implants as well as remaining natural teeth.
Depending on the age of the patient at the time of the implant, it is possible that the final restoration aspect of treatment may need to be updated. However, many restorations last indefinitely making this process a dental treatment that can last a lifetime.
Call us to reserve your appointment to discuss your teeth replacement options today.