How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
If you’re currently missing one or more of your teeth, you might be wondering about your options to replace what’s missing. Missing dentition can affect your self-esteem, confidence and even the way you’re able to eat and chew. Rather than wear a prosthetic appliance, like a denture or partial, or have to compromise surrounding teeth with a fixed bridge, we can easily place a dental implant.
All About Dental Implant Technology
Dental implants are small rods made out of titanium. These rods are surgically placed deep into the jawbone. Over the course of a few months, the implant will undergo a process that is known as osseointegration. This means that the implant’s rod itself will fuse with the bone. This ensures that the implant becomes a solid part of your smile and is permanently in place for decades to come. A crown, bridge or overdenture can then be made and placed to fit over the new implant.
How Long Will Your Implants Last?
Dental implants are considered a permanent restoration. Once the implant is placed, it will bond with surrounding bone. This ensures that it is solidly in place and will not move or fall out. Most patients have their implants for three, four or even five decades without the implant itself showing signs of damage or wear. Keep in mind that the restoration that is made to sit on top of the implant will need to be replaced at regular intervals. This can be discussed during your consultation appointment to have the implant placed.
Extending the Life of Your New Implants
One problem that could undermine the stability of your implant involves bone loss. Bone loss can come as a result of some type of disease or disorder as well as periodontal disease. When gum disease is allowed to progress, it can eventually result in both tooth and bone loss. This bone loss may loosen the implant, causing the need for a bone grafting in order to replace it. The best way to prevent gum disease is by brushing twice a day, flossing daily and making regular trips into the office for cleanings and exams. If you have gum disease, treatment is essential to prevent it from getting worse.
If you’d like to learn more about dental implants and how they can benefit your smile, call us today so that we can get you in for a consultation appointment.
Contact Dr. Norris Navoa & Dr. Mariam Mesa in Palmetto Bay, Florida
If you would like to come into our office for a consultation, please don’t hesitate to contact Palmetto Bay Family Dentistry! Dr. Norris Navoa & Dr. Mariam Mesa, our dentists in Palmetto Bay, FL, would be happy to answer any questions about the dental implant procedure.