Dental Implants Sound Great; How Long Can They Last?

Dental implants have allowed millions of patients to replace their lost teeth with beautiful and functional restorations that look and feel just like the real thing. One of the best things about implants is that they can last much longer than traditional dentures and bridges if they receive excellent care. Here’s a brief guide to how implants are placed, how long they can last, and how to take excellent care of them so they can stay in great shape.

How Are Dental Implants Placed?

Dental implants are placed through a specialized surgical process designed to give them the stability and leverage they need to work and last just like real teeth. The procedure always begins with the patient receiving a suitable anesthetic to ensure their comfort, and some people may also benefit from sedation treatment. When the patient is ready, the dentist will surgically insert small titanium rods into strategic locations in the jawbone through small incisions in the gum tissue. When this is complete, the dentist will close the gum tissue around the implants. Recovery after implant surgery is typically quite mild, and many patients are able to return to work the next day.

How Long Can Dental Implants Last?

Titanium, the material used to make most dental implants, possesses the remarkable ability to fuse with living bone tissue through the natural process of osseointegration. This process will take several months and creates the sturdy foundation necessary for implants to exert maximum chewing power and last for decades if they receive proper care. More than 95% of dental implants are successful even ten years after being placed, and many of them last for thirty years or more.

How Should I Care for My Dental Implants?

Your dentist will be sure to provide you with detailed care and maintenance instructions for your dental implants so you know exactly how to take care of them. These will probably include:

• Practicing excellent oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily
• Visiting your dentist every six months for routine exams and cleanings
• Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of protein, calcium, minerals, and vitamins C and D
• Limiting your intake of sugars and acids
• Wearing a protective device such as a nightguard when necessary
• Abstaining from tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption
• Refraining from using your teeth to open packages or to gnaw on ice or inedible materials like plastic, glass, metal, and wood

Dental implants may be the best way to restore your smile. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand how you can successfully replace your lost teeth.

About the Practice

Edgewood Dental offers the finest oral healthcare in Michigan City. Led by Drs. Valerie Haughtington, Vidas Noreika, and Caleb Havlin, the staff ensures that each patient enjoys compassionate service in a warm and welcoming office environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry as well as implant services. If you are interested in receiving dental implants, contact the practice on the web or dial (219) 898-4545.