Implants

When properly cared for, the implant posts can last 25 years or more. The replacement teeth, such as a crown, bridge, or implant-retained denture, will generally need to be replaced every 10-15 years. Be sure to practice good at-home dental care and keep up with your regular dental checkups to keep your replacement teeth in the best possible condition.

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When you lose a tooth, it’s very important that you replace it as soon as possible. The jawbone around the missing tooth will begin to atrophy and shrink, leading to a change in your facial structure. The muscles around your mouth may begin to sag without the support of a complete smile. Tooth loss also causes the position of your surrounding teeth to change as they begin to drift out of alignment to fill the gap left by the missing tooth. This can lead to difficulties properly biting or chewing your food, which can cause issues with your digestive system.

While dental implants provide great support and stability, there are a variety of other benefits that come with them. Since dental implants look and feel like your natural teeth, they look better than comparable oral fixtures. Unlike dentures which can slip within the mouth and cause you to have issues speaking, implants allow you to speak without issue. And since dental implants don’t require tooth reduction, more of your natural teeth are left intact which improves long-term oral health.

Dental implants are typically made out of a biocompatiable metal called titanium. Biocompatable means that the metal fuses with your surrounding jaw by stimulating bone growth and becoming absorbed by the tissue. Because they become part of you, implants fully replace missing tooth roots and eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.

Patients undergoing dental implant treatment will require one or more minor surgical procedures over the full course of their treatment plan, after which there will a period of healing. It’s normal to experience some pain and swelling after an oral surgery. However, this discomfort only last a few days and can be controlled with pain relieving medication as recommended by your dental provider. Once your mouth has healed and your final replacement tooth is placed, you will be able to resume the natural, comfortable function of your bite without any discomfort.