What Factors Contribute to Long Term Success of Dental Implants?

If you’ve been considering dental implants for quite some time now you’ll want to make sure that you’ll get the most out of your investment. Here’s what you need to know before you get implants!

 

Suitable Candidate

 

A large factor that leads to the overall success of dental implants is knowing whether or not you’re a suitable candidate in the first place. Patients must have adequate bone at the site where the dental implant is being considered so that it can be placed properly. Our staff will perform x-rays to determine the quality of the bone at the site and make a recommendation on the next step. For most patients, the dental implant is usually the next step, but for some, it may require a bone graft prior to the placement of the implant.

 

Proper Maintenance & Care

 

Contrary to popular belief, dental implants do not typically require any more attention than your natural teeth. However, that does not mean that you are exempt from maintaining your teeth and neglecting their care. It is critical to properly care for your dental implants by regularly brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Doing so will ensure the overall health of the bone and gum surrounding the new implant. It is also vital to closely follow the instructions of the oral surgeon following surgery. This will allow you to maximize your healing time and it will contribute to the overall success of your new dental implants.

 

Go Above and Beyond

 

Although your implants will not require any other special maintenance or care, it never hurts to treat them like a valuable investment, in part because they are. Getting regular professional teeth cleanings and frequent check-ups will not only help to protect your health, but it will allow your implants to have great long-term success.

Following these suggestions will give you peace of mind in taking the next step forward with your dental implants. Do you still have questions about whether or not dental implants are right for you? Contact the Oral & Facial Surgery Institute today!

Comparing Bridges with Dental Implants

Have you or are you considering a bridge or dental implant? We’ve covered dental implants before but here’s a comparison of the two to help you know what would be best for you. First things first, what are bridges? Bridges get their name because they bridge the gap caused by a missing tooth. Why a dental implant over a bridge? How do bridges look?

Dental Bridges

According to Health Line, “A dental bridge is a false tooth (called a pontic) that is held in place by the abutment teeth on either side of the gap. Although pontics can be made from a variety of materials such as gold, typically they’re made from porcelain to aesthetically blend in with your natural teeth.”

Dental Implants

What about an implant? An implant is a synthetic tooth root in the shape of a post that is surgically placed into the jawbone. The “root” is usually made of titanium: the same material used in many replacement hips and knees, and a metal that is well-suited to pairing with human bone. A replacement tooth is then fixed to the post. The tooth can be either permanently attached or removable. Permanent teeth are more stable and feel more like natural teeth.

Why Dental Implants Instead of a Bridge?

Why a dental implant over a bridge? Conventional bridges are not fixed to the bone and can therefore be unstable. This can make it difficult to eat or smile with confidence. Dental implants not only look more natural, but feel and act more like normal teeth, with a stronger biting force. And because they don’t directly rely on neighboring teeth for support, implants don’t compromise the health of your natural teeth. In fact, bridges are only expected to last seven to ten years, whereas implants will typically last a lifetime.

Have more questions about what is best for you? Need more replacements than just a few? Contact us today to ask any questions you may have and set up a consultation to find out if dental implants or even Teeth-In-A-Day are right for you.

 

Common Myths About Dental Implants

Common Myths About Dental Implants

People are living longer than ever, and while regular brushing, flossing, and checkups allow many of us to maintain our natural smiles for a lifetime, sometimes our teeth just can’t keep up. If you’ve lost a tooth (or a few teeth) due to injury or disease, dental implants can rejuvenate both your smile and your oral health.

An implant is a synthetic tooth root in the shape of a post that is surgically placed into the jawbone. The “root” is usually made of titanium: the same material used in many replacement hips and knees, and a metal that is well-suited to pairing with human bone. A replacement tooth is then fixed to the post. The tooth can be either permanently attached or removable. Permanent teeth are more stable and feel more like natural teeth.

There are a few popular myths surrounding dental implants that may make some people uneasy about the procedure. We’re here to help you feel confident about getting your smile back!

Dental Implants Don’t Look Like Your Natural Teeth

Dental implants not only look more natural but feel and act more like normal teeth, with a stronger biting force. And because they don’t directly rely on neighboring teeth for support, implants don’t compromise the health of your natural teeth.

Dental Implants Require Special Care

Consider your replacement teeth to be the same as natural teeth. They require the same daily brushing and flossing, and the same amount of regular checkups. Just like your natural teeth, the better you take care of your replacements, the longer they will last.

Dental Implant Surgery Is Painful

One of our main goals is to provide you with a surgical experience that is as comfortable as it is effective. That’s why we offer several methods of sedation. Our oral surgeons will work with you to decide on a personalized sedation plan that will give you the care you need while ensuring your comfort and safety every step of the way.

Dental Implants Take Forever to Heal

Healing time is actually short. We provide you with an outline for recovery so you’re on your way to a speedy recovery.

Dental Implants Aren’t Worth the Price

With a nearly 100% success rate, this permanent option is here to stay. Say “goodbye” to those temporary options that you had to replace and adjust, like dentures, bridges and crowns. Dental implants are here to provide you with a long-lasting smile. If you take good care of them, implants have the potential to last longer than 18 years! We say that’s worth it.

Keep in mind the ideal candidate for dental implants is a non-smoker who has good oral health, including a sufficient amount of bone in the jaw, and healthy gums with no sign of gum disease.

Have more questions? Don’t hesitate to call! We would be happy to schedule a consultation for you.