How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

If you’re considering dental implants as part of your treatment options, you’ll want the right information to help you make an educated decision about this potential investment. At the Oral & Facial Surgery Institute in St. George, Utah, we’re your dental implant experts. Let us help you decide if dental implants will be right for you.

 

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

 

Dental implants are amongst the most permanent solution to missing teeth and they can last anywhere from 15 to 25 years with proper care. The actual amount of time each implant lasts varies from patient to patient, but in most cases, the implant will last as long as your jaw bone will allow it. 

 

How Do You Make Dental Implants Last Longer?

 

Once you receive your first dental implant, it is absolutely vital to make oral hygiene a priority. Regular brushing and flossing habits, as well as visits to your dentist, will all aid in allowing your implants to last as long as possible. Some patients mistakenly think that because they have an implant, they don’t need to take care of their teeth as much, that is not the case.

 

Proper oral care will help to eliminate plaque and tartar build-up and debris from your mouth. A mouth with poor oral hygiene may not be suitable for dental implants due to issues with gum disease and the amount of jaw bone available in your mouth. In short, keep your mouth clean and your implants will last for years to come.

 

Problems That Can Threaten the Lifespan of Your Dental Implants

 

Not only should you take great care of your dental implants, but you should also try to avoid biting down hard on certain foods. Your implant is as strong as a natural tooth, so you should still be careful and aware that extremely hard foods could crack the cap of your implant. 

 

It is also important to understand that anything that could affect the strength and integrity of your jaw bone, could lead to a less effective dental implant. Possible issues could include injuries, disease, and infections. 

 

Getting a Good Start With Dental Implants

 

At the Oral & Facial Surgery Institute, we have extensive experience with dental implants so you can get a great start! Implants involve several steps to complete and Dr. Davis will carefully guide you through each step of the process.

 

Call us today to get the best care possible when it comes to dental implants. (435) 628-1100

 

What is the Difference Between an Oral Surgeon and a Dentist?

What is the Difference Between an Oral Surgeon and a Dentist?

You’re at the dentist’s office, waiting to hear what to do about your wisdom teeth, and you hear your dentist tell you they’re going to refer you to an oral surgeon… -wait what now? Who is this oral surgeon and why am I being referred? Oral and facial surgeons are uniquely trained to diagnose and operate to treat a number of conditions of the bone, skin and muscle of the face, mouth and jaw.

You might be thinking, wait… my dentist has done surgery on me before, does that make him or her an oral surgeon? Well, while dentists can perform minor oral surgeries, they are not oral surgeons.

Your dentist is your go-to for care of your mouth and teeth. You see them regularly for a general oral exam. Dentists can treat cavities, gum disease, root canals, fillings, crowns, and more, including basic tooth extractions and simple surgeries. Often designated by a suffix of DDS (doctor of dental surgery) or DMD (doctor of dental medicine), they receive unique training in dental school. When more specialized oral or maxillofacial (relating to the jaws and face) care is needed, your dentist will refer you to a specialist like Dr. Davis.

OFSI’s very own Dr. Shawn B. Davis serves to provide the highest quality of care and make a difference in the lives of their Southern Utah, Northern Arizona, and Nevada patients.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeon like Dr. Davis must attend four years of dental school before continuing on to become surgically trained in a hospital-based residency program for a minimum of four years. Oral surgeons are trained in anesthesia and sedation methods, ensuring your surgery goes smoothly.

Your oral and maxillofacial surgeon has many years of education and hands-on training to provide treatment for a wide range of conditions, including, but not limited to:

  • Dental implant surgery
  • Wisdom teeth extraction
  • Other extractions
  • Endodontic surgery
  • Facial aesthetic surgery
  • Facial trauma
  • Cleft lip/palate
  • TMJ/TMD and facial pain
  • Oral cancer

So whether it’s wisdom teeth extraction, or teeth in a day, our team is dedicated to ensuring your every experience at the Oral and Facial Surgery Institute is comfortable, communicative, and convenient. For us, there is no better feeling in the world than making a difference in our patients’ lives. Let us make a difference in yours—schedule an appointment at our oral surgery office in St. George, Utah today!