If you have a gap in your smile, you may have heard that dental implants are the gold standard for tooth replacement. However, you may have encountered misinformation about implants, how long they last, and their failure rate, which could make you hesitate before asking your dentist.
Contrary to these rumors, most patients achieve successful dental implant outcomes. If you take assiduous care of your implants, the post could last decades or even a lifetime. The crown on top will likely need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years due to normal wear and tear.
Good Candidates for Dental Implants
Several factors contribute to whether you could be a good candidate for implants. These factors include:
- Absence of active tooth decay: If you have this common condition, you must address it before beginning the implant process. Tooth decay may spread infection and harm your ability to maintain implants.
- No uncontrolled gum disease: Dental implants need healthy gums to recover from surgery and prevent future problems.
- No tobacco use: Tobacco use of any kind impedes healing by restricting blood flow to the gums.
- No severe illnesses: Illnesses like uncontrolled diabetes and cancer are often not compatible with dental implant surgery, especially if they interfere with the immune system or blood flow.
- Sufficient bone mass: If you do not have enough bone mass in the area where the anchor will go, you can undergo a simple bone graft procedure. A bone graft uses ground and sterilized bone material (either natural or artificial) to create a structure for new bone cells to grow around. It may take several months to heal, but most patients experience success with this procedure.
If you are not a suitable candidate for surgery, you can choose from several other tooth replacement options, like bridges and partial dentures.
How Dental Implants Work
Parts of a Dental Implant
Dental implants consist of a titanium post that replaces the root, an abutment cap that protects the post, and a dental crown that replaces the tooth visible above the gumline.
The Dental Implant Process
The first step is an in-depth conversation with your dentist regarding your needs and whether you are a good candidate for the procedure. Your dentist will examine your oral health and bone mass and take your full medical history. If you meet the criteria, you can continue with the process.
Next, your dentist surgically places the implant anchor in your jawbone. Over several months, this anchor will bond with the bone (osseointegration). When the anchor is ready, the dentist places the cap or abutment. Finally, after another period of healing, you will receive your final restoration.
Caring For Your Dental Implants
Caring for single-tooth dental implants requires only a little more effort than caring for healthy, natural teeth. Brush well at least twice a day for a full two minutes, dividing your time between the four quadrants of your mouth for best results. Floss carefully to remove all traces of food and plaque. Keep every dental appointment at the recommended intervals and maintain excellent oral hygiene.
Circumstances Impacting Implant Longevity
Oral Hygiene
Without proper oral hygiene, you may develop peri-implantitis, a gum infection that can occur around dental implants. This condition is one of the top causes of implant failure.
Teeth Grinding
If you know you grind your teeth, ask your dentist for a prescription mouthguard. Crowns are less robust than natural teeth, so you may break one if you put it under extra pressure.
Smoking
Tobacco use reduces blood flow to the mouth, slowing healing and making it difficult for the implants to settle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
How frequent is implant failure?
Fortunately, if you take good care of your implants as we have described, your chances of implant failure are quite low: 4 to 5 percent. Patients who neglect oral hygiene or continue to smoke may experience less positive outcomes.
Are there any types of dental implants that cover more than one missing tooth at a time?
Yes, we can provide implant-supported dentures for a few teeth or for an entire arch. Implant-supported dentures are easy to care for and have the same attractive appearance as single-tooth implants.
At Dental Associates in Farmington, CT, we want to help you understand how implant dentistry can change your life. This long-lasting solution for missing teeth can brighten your smile and boost your confidence. Please get in touch with our office at any time to schedule a consultation.