A dental implant is an unbeatable tooth replacement in terms of quality and functionality. While most tooth restorations only restore the crown of the tooth, an implant stimulates the jawbone when you chew, effectively restoring the root to prevent bone loss.
An implant is the only replacement tooth that will not lead to bone loss over time. This will prevent consequences such as bite changes, changes to your facial structure, and facial sagging. Read on in this blog from Living Oaks Dental to find out how long implants last.
The Lifespan of Dental Implants
Dental implants are made of three components – the titanium post, the abutment, and the crown. A biocompatible titanium post is implanted into the jawbone and this serves as the anchor for the rest of the restoration.
Once osseointegration happens over 3 to 6 months, your implant will fuse with the jawbone. Then, we can reopen the gums to attach an abutment. These two components can last for 25 years to life. With proper care, most people never need to replace them. However, the final restoration, which is the crown, is temporary and will need to be replaced about every 10 to 15 years.
How to Care for Dental Implants
The great thing about dental implants in Fairhope is that they’re low maintenance. You don’t need to remove them and engage in time-consuming, meticulous cleaning routines like you would with dentures. Instead, you care for your implants like you would your regular teeth.
Brush your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristle toothbrush. We recommend using low abrasive toothpaste. Brush all around the surfaces of the crown. You should floss once a day with a water flosser or interdental brush.
You will need to attend regular dental cleanings every 6 months to prevent oral health problems as per usual. This removes plaque buildup and promotes good oral health by catching problems early.
How Implants Preserve Jawbone
When you lose a tooth and don’t replace it, you suffer from irreversible bone loss. This is because your jawbone no longer receives stimulation from your teeth when you chew. By implanting a titanium post in the jawbone, it fuses with the jawbone through osseointegration.
This forms an artificial tooth root. When you chew, the jawbone now receives the necessary stimulation to regenerate cells and preserve the existing jawbone. When this stimulation disappears, cells are no longer reproduced, causing bone deterioration that cannot grow back.
For this reason, implants are a long-term solution to your jawbone health, unlike any other tooth replacement. This will also preserve the support of your facial features around your mouth and nose and prevent sagging and speech difficulties.
Schedule Your Implant Consultation Today!
If you’re interested in a lifelong tooth replacement that will anchor your crown and prevent moving teeth, then implants are the perfect choice for you. Contact us at Living Oaks Dental today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Gene Brabston.
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