Do Dental Implants Last Forever?

If you’re missing one or more teeth, you have options for replacement. The outstanding and skilled dentists at EZ Dental Clinic, located in Bellevue, Washington, can help you choose which option is most suitable for you. We often suggest dental implants. In this article, we explain why. 

Why consider dental implants? 

When you’re missing one or more teeth, you may no longer enjoy your smile. Furthermore, chewing or speaking may be uncomfortable. Missing teeth can also cause oral health issues and bone loss. 

Food debris can collect in the gap where your tooth once was, allowing harmful bacteria to thrive. That bacteria can lead to tooth decay and the loss of more teeth. Also, your remaining teeth can shift or loosen over time because of the gap. 

Dental implants are excellent replacements because they function like natural teeth. In addition, implants can help prevent the long-term complications that often come with missing teeth. Plus, we make sure that your implants match your existing teeth so well that no one will ever know you have them. 

How dental implants work

When you get a dental implant, our team surgically implants a titanium post into your jawbone. The post acts as a replacement for your lost tooth root. Once your implant is fused with your bone, we place a realistic-looking crown on top of it. The crown blends in perfectly with your existing teeth. If you’re missing more than one tooth, the titanium post can hold a bridge or dentures. 

It takes more than one appointment to get a dental implant. During the first appointment, we place the post. Then you go home, and your jawbone fuses to the post. Once you’ve healed, you come back in, and we attach the crown, bridge, or dentures. 

Enjoy your dental implant for life

One of the reasons our patients like dental implants is because they can last forever. Once it fuses to your jawbone, it behaves like your natural tooth root. Keep in mind that the crown or bridge attached to it requires optimal dental hygiene. Every decade or so, we might need to update your crown, but the dental implant it attaches to lasts forever. Schedule an exam if you notice any signs of crown damage.

Make sure to practice excellent dental hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. You should also schedule routine professional cleanings and exams. 

If you have questions about dental implants, or you’d like to find out if you’re a good candidate for this permanent method of replacing lost teeth, schedule an appointment with our team. We’re happy to evaluate your situation and answer your questions.