How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Keeping your natural teeth is the best-case scenario, but when tooth loss happens, dental implants are the next best thing to your natural teeth. Getting dental implants takes multiple appointments, but once they’re placed, they feel and function just like your real teeth and are a long-term solution to tooth loss.
At Scott Young, DDS, our dentists and dental team offer cosmetic and general dentistry services. Located in The Woodlands, Texas, our team serves all of Great Houston and the areas of Highland Village, West University, River Oaks, Rice Village, and Memorial.
How dental implants work
Before you decide on a dental treatment, it’s essential to remember that no treatment is guaranteed. One person may comfortably enjoy their implants for 15-20 years without any issues, while another will need to have the cosmetic crown replaced after a few years due to wear-and-tear or trauma from a sports injury or accident.
Dental implants are meant to be a permanent tooth replacement. Unlike removable dentures, dental crowns, or bridgework, implants are surgically placed in the jaw to act as a prosthetic root.
Once in place, the implant fuses with the surrounding bone tissue. As an added bonus, implants lower your risk of gum disease by preventing the bone loss that results from losing a tooth.
When the implant has fully healed, a cosmetic crown is attached to complete the restoration. You can get implants to replace a single tooth or to support a set of full or partial dentures for a more secure fit.
How long do dental implants last?
Ideally, your implants are permanent. Complications from dental implants are rare, but as with any dental and medical procedure, they are possible. The best way to ensure that your dental implants last is to practice optimal oral hygiene, and make regular appointments for a check-up and dental cleaning every six months, or as recommended by our team.
Are dental implants right for me?
To qualify for dental implants, you need to be in good health and have enough bone tissue to support the implant. If you’re taking certain medications or have underlying health problems that affect your immune system, dental implants may not be a good option for you. You shouldn’t get dental implants if you smoke.
At your initial consultation, our team will perform a comprehensive evaluation and recommend the best treatment option that accounts for your general and oral health, as well as your lifestyle.
For more information about dental implants and to find out if they’re a good option for you, contact us today to schedule an appointment at our office in The Woodlands, Texas.
