Dental implants are the permanent solution to tooth loss. The implant itself is a cylindrical device: usually titanium or zirconia. The dental surgeon drills into the patient’s jaw bone and inserts the implant. Through a process known as osseointegration, the bone surrounds and integrates with the implant and forms a new “root” for the artificial tooth/teeth.

The artificial teeth are attached to the implant posts and provide the strength and functionality of natural teeth. Compared to dentures that can chafe, rock, slip, or impede proper chewing of food, implanted teeth have none of those disadvantages. Likewise, bone loss associated with denture wearing is significantly reduced with implants.

How Long Do Implants Last?

The implant can, with proper care and regular visits to the dentist, last a lifetime. Dental Implant failure—i.e., the bone rejects or fails to absorb the implant post—is low. According to Healthline.com, dental implants “have a high success rate.” Some people—an estimated 5 to 10 percent—experience implant failure “shortly after a procedure or months or years later.”

Avoiding Early Dental Implant Failure

The problems can result from infection, slight implant mobility at the implant site, or insufficient implant support because of inadequate bone. Implants can also fail if the patient is allergic to the titanium alloy. Likewise, if the patient fails to follow post-implant instructions—eating soft foods, practicing good oral hygiene, etc.—early implant failure can result. Each patient’s health and biting/clenching habits play a role in the success of dental implant treatment.

Long-term Dental implant complications

After immediate success, some implant patients can experience complications years afterward because of the following:

• injury to the implant area that loosens the implant
• an upper jaw implant protruding into the sinus cavity
• tissue or nerve damage caused by inserting the implant too near a nerve
• rare foreign body rejection when the patient’s body rejects an implant
• infection to the implant site due to peri-implantitis
• A change in the patient’s health or dental care habits

Signs of dental implant failure include swelling, pain or discomfort surrounding bone, gum inflammation or gum recession, difficulty chewing, and loss of the implant or a replaced tooth.

Caring For The Implant—Visit the Dentist

Your new implants, like your natural teeth, are susceptible to the destructive effects of bacteria and plaque formation. Here is where the services of a dental hygienist can play a big role in keeping your implants free of biofilm. A visit to the dentist at least once a year (more often, depending on the patient), is the best defense against dental implant failure.

Home care for implants

The American Academy of Dentistry recommends the following:

• Use a recommended oral irrigator
• Floss daily with implant-specific floss or unwaxed tape
• Brush twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush and a low-abrasive toothpaste
• For hard-to-reach places under and around the implant crown use, a nylon-coated interdental brush.

How Long Do The Artificial Teeth Last?

The implant roots support an abutment, which is capped with one or more artificial teeth. The artificial teeth (or crowns) can last 15 or more years before requiring repair or replacement. A dental crown can be damaged or removed from its abutment by accident or by biting down on ice or hard candy. When biting and pulling beef jerky, the lateral tearing action, for instance, can pull away or damage a dental crown.

Throughout the lifetime of an implant, dental implant crowns may need to be replaced before the surgery. The good news is that dental implant crowns can be replaced.

Sometimes, the replacement is as simple as replacing a crown on top of a natural tooth. In other cases, it could require the removal of the implant and sending the prosthesis to a dental lab, or the dentist might be able to repair it in the office.

What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Dental Implants?

Although implants have transformed the field of dentistry, not everyone is a good candidate for surgery. It is critical to recognize the benefits and drawbacks of getting dental implants before undergoing the process.

Advantages:

Dental implants offer several advantages, such as:

Dental implants have a natural appearance and feel.

After dental implant surgery, you won’t be able to identify the difference between implants and your natural teeth because they mimic their appearance. Dental implants are sturdy and allow you to speak and chew with ease, unlike dentures which can feel flimsy and make it difficult to eat or speak.

Dental Implants Last

When properly maintained, implants are made to last a lifetime, making them a great option for anyone searching for a long-term fix for their missing teeth issue.

Easily Maintained

Dental implants just need routine brushing and flossing for maintenance, which is simple. Additionally, regular dental exams every six months will assist guarantee the health and proper operation of your implants.

They stop bone deterioration and enhance oral health

Dental implants prevent any bone loss that may have occurred as a result of missing teeth since they replace the missing tooth root. In turn, this enhances your general oral health.

Disadvantages

Dental implants have a number of advantages, but you should weigh these against a few disadvantages before choosing to get them. These consist of:

More Expensive Than Other Options for Replacing Teeth

Not everyone can afford dental implants, though. The treatment can be quite expensive, with a single implant costing between $2,000 and $4,000 each. Dental implants are a long-term commitment, but it’s important to remember that overall costs are typically lower than those of other tooth replacement options.

 Lengthy Dental Implant Process

A dental implant treatment can take several months to complete and is not a quick remedy. Before attaching the crown for the artificial tooth replacement, the implant must fuse with the surrounding jawbone.

You Must Comply With A Set Of Conditions

Dental implants are not appropriate for everyone, unlike other tooth replacement methods. Since dental implants require securing an implant to your jaw bone, you must have enough bone density and be in good general oral health. You might not be a good candidate for dental implants if you’ve experienced considerable bone loss as a result of tooth loss.

Are dental implants right for you?

A dental implant procedure could be an excellent solution to replacing one or more of your missing teeth. Contact us at our Idaho Falls dental implant office and learn how we can restore your smile and put you back on the path to overall oral health.