Do you have one or more missing teeth? Then perhaps dental implants are right for you! This type of prosthetic tooth is increasingly being used to repair smiles. That said, if you’ve ever had to go in for a crown replacement or to get your dentures re-fitted, what you really want to know is: how long do implants last? The short answer is that they can last a lifetime, but let’s dig a little deeper.
What are dental implants? A dental implant is an artificial root made of titanium that’s inserted into the jawbone to replace the missing or damaged root. A replacement artificial tooth is then attached to the titanium root. The end result is an artificial tooth that looks and feels like a regular tooth. What are the advantages of implants? The main advantage of implants is that they aren’t subject to the same failure conditions as crowns and bridges. Traditional crowns and bridges rely on pre-existing dental structures and may need to be replaced if the teeth they’re affixed to become compromised because of trauma or decay. They’re also a lot more comfortable than dentures, which can slide out of place or need to be re-fitted if bone loss causes your jaw to change shape. Can dental implants fail? In short: dental implants can fail, but it’s rare. Studies show that dental implant procedures have a success rate of 98 per cent. In ideal conditions and given proper maintenance, a patient can expect an implant to last for 25 years. This is much longer than the five to 15 years that crowns usually last for. Note that smoking and pre-existing gum disease such as periodontal disease can cause implants to fail. How can you improve your dental implant’s longevity? Using dental implants to replace missing teeth is advantageous because they feel and look just like natural teeth. However, they need to be cared for like the pearly whites you were born with. Maintaining good oral health is crucial to ensuring that your implant lasts a long time. This means that you need to brush and floss regularly and that you can’t skip dental checkups. Dental implants in Kamloops Getting dental implants can be a great way to replace damaged or missing teeth. Thankfully, Aberdeen Dental Arts offers a full range of dentistry services in and around Kamloops, including restorative services for dental implants. Call us today to find out more or to schedule an appointment.
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