There’s a reason why dental implants are the number one long-term tooth replacement option, and that’s because most people keep their dental implants forever. With good oral hygiene, regular dental exams, and a healthy lifestyle, your dental implants can complete your smile for the rest of your life. Dr. Pamela Cain offers dental implants in Knoxville, TN to patients looking for the best missing tooth replacement option that provides long-lasting results. Learn more about why implants work so well below.
Dental Implants Are Made To Last
Implants last so long because they are made of durable materials that are designed to fuse with the body’s tissues. There are three pieces that make up an implant:
- Implant: The metal post that is surgically implanted into the jawbone, which takes the place of the missing tooth’s root.
- Abutment: The connection between the implant and the false tooth that is visible above the gums.
- Crown: The false tooth that fills in the gap of the missing tooth and enables you to use your teeth as normal.
The implant fuses to the jaw bone tissue and becomes a permanent part of your smile. Some patients need a replacement crown after several years, but most do not need another implant surgery.
How Can I Make Sure My Dental Implants Last Forever?
Patients who have great oral hygiene, meaning daily brushing and flossing, have the best chance of maintaining their dental implants for the rest of their lives. Once the implant heals, it usually lasts forever, but the crown may need replacement after 10 to 15 years because it is used in biting and chewing, and therefore susceptible to wear and tear. However, some patients never need a replacement crown and still enjoy their original implant, abutment, and crown many years later.
Mouth location may contribute to the longevity of your dental implants, as a replacement tooth located in the back of the mouth is more likely to wear out. The teeth in the back of the mouth are used for grinding food and exert more pressure than the front teeth, and they are often more difficult for patients to keep clean. This is why good oral hygiene and regular dental exams are so important when keeping your dental implants healthy for the rest of your life.
Can Dental Implants Get Infected?
Dental implants provide a long-term, indefinite replacement for missing or damaged teeth when properly cared for, but there are several factors that can cause an implant to fail prematurely. Patients suffering from diabetes or other pre-existing medical conditions, such as cancer, have a higher risk of dental implant failure. As mentioned earlier, dental implants must be maintained through regular brushing and flossing. Poor oral hygiene can lead to periodontal disease, which is another factor that can impede the success of a dental implant.
Restore Your Smile For A Lifetime with Dental Implants
Patients looking to replace missing teeth should look no further than East Tennessee Periodontics, a full-service dental office in Knoxville. Get the care you need and deserve all under one roof by requesting your appointment online or calling us at 865.276.7173 today.
