Are Dental Implants Permanent?

We know the trauma and stress around a missing tooth and how it can affect your facial aesthetics. However, it has a permanent solution, and you can regain your beautiful smile. Yes, we are talking about dental implants, which can restore your missing tooth’s natural look and function for the upcoming years. But will dental implants last a lifetime? Let’s find out!

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are medical devices that the dental specialist implants into the jaw surgically to restore and replace the lost tooth. These implants are designed to restore one’s natural facial appearance and smile by helping regain your missing tooth’s natural look and function. A complete dental implant structure includes dental crowns, dental bridges or dentures, and metal screws that act as the tooth’s root.

Dental implant treatment is a modern restorative dental procedure that replaces and restores the normal function of a missing, damaged, or decayed tooth, which has otherwise lost its original functionality. So dental implants can restore a tooth’s decayed or damaged roots. Therefore, with dental implants, you can return to your regular eating and chewing habits without realizing it is an artificial tooth.

The dental surgeon will place these permanent tooth implants into your jaw through oral surgery. Afterward, your dental implants NC team will give the site time to heal. Next, they will place a dental crown or cap on top to make your teeth look and feel natural.

Do I Need Dental Implants?

Individuals who lost a tooth due to injuries or dental diseases can benefit from this natural-like tooth replacement procedure. Dental implants are a must-have if you suffer from stress related to lost teeth, such as low self-esteem, a sunken facial appearance, and, most importantly, difficulty chewing or eating food. You may need an implant if you have –

• Cavities and tooth decay
• Gum disease or periodontal disease
• Fracture in tooth root
• Facial injury
• Bruxism or the habit of teeth grinding and clenching, especially unconsciously, such as while asleep
• Congenital missing teeth (when one is born without a particular tooth).

However, you must check your eligibility before getting a dental implant. You should not get dental implants if one or more of the following factors are valid for you –

• You are under 18 (since dentists refuse to perform tooth implantation on growing jaws).
• You use tobacco products or have smoking habits.
• You have poor oral hygiene.
• You have significant bone loss or mass bone degeneration in your teeth and jaws.
• You have untreated or active gum disease.
• You have extensive tooth damage or decay.
• You have some health conditions, like autoimmune diseases or bone disorders.

If your dental implants NC team feels you are the right candidate for dental implants, you should not delay the procedure.

Do Dental Implants Last Forever?

The short answer is ‘Yes’! Dental implants are a permanent solution and can last a lifetime. The titanium screw that replaces the tooth’s root can have a permanent lifespan. But the catch is you need to develop good oral habits and take good care of your implants as advised by your surgeon. Also, you will need to replace your dental crown after every 5–10 years, depending on what your dentist in Reidsville, NC, has advised and the quality of the height used.

These periodontal implants can benefit you in the following ways in the years to come –

• Improve your chewing ability and speech.
• Provide teeth replacement without shaving down the neighboring teeth or making other dental alterations (as seen in dental bridges)
• Enhance your facial aesthetics and smile
• Restore your tooth’s natural semblance and functionality
• Secure removable or permanent dentures and bridges

Moreover, dental implants are not prone to cavities because they do not have natural gum tissues, another factor impacting their longevity. In addition, the metal screw (usually made of titanium) is sturdy and designed to last long. In fact, to date, dental implants have the highest longevity among dental procedures.

Maintenance and Care for Dental Implants

Your dentist would advise you to follow these care and maintenance tips to make your dental implants last longer.

• Clean your implants as advised, twice a day, using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Brush around and under the implant’s crown.
• Floss daily using implant-specific flossing devices or unwaxed tape.
• Use a recommended oral flosser or irrigator to prevent bleeding in the gums.
• Use a nylon-coated brush to clean internal dental areas that are hard to reach.
• Quit smoking or tobacco intake.
• Visit your dentist regularly for routine cleanups and checkups.

Final Words

To conclude, dental implants are a permanent solution to your missing tooth problems, which may have taken away your natural smile and confidence. If your dentist deems you fit for this procedure, do it without delay to restore your biological dental functions. Also, closely follow your dentist’s maintenance and care advice in Reidsville, NC. Practicing good dental hygiene, such as brushing twice and flossing once daily. Then, go on and flaunt that beautiful smile!