If you’re a Belmont resident who is missing a tooth or teeth or know that you need to have a tooth extracted, you are likely researching options for replacing your natural tooth or teeth. And in that research, you may have come across the term dental implants. But what are dental implants? Are they a long-term, permanent solution that you can count on to last? Are they worth the cost? Read on to discover important information about dental implants and how long you can expect them to last.
What Are Dental Implants?
Titanium Posts and Natural-Looking Crowns
Dental implants are the most advanced method in today’s modern dentistry to replacing missing teeth. With dental implants, a titanium rod is inserted into the jawbone, and a realistic looking crown is placed over the rod. The result is that the titanium rod mimics your natural tooth’s root structure, providing you with all the functionality of a natural tooth – including the ability to eat all the foods you love without worrying about the dental implant slipping or falling out of place. Additionally, the natural looking crown provides you with the aesthetics you desire, giving you a smile that you will be proud to show off.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
How Long Dental Implants Last
Dental implants are built to last. In fact, with proper oral hygiene care, dental implants can last for decades or a lifetime. The longevity of dental implants makes them a popular procedure for many Belmont patients who are missing teeth or need to have a tooth or teeth extracted.
Are There Any Other Benefits of Dental Implants?
Protecting Jawbone Health After Tooth Loss
Dental implants are the best solution for keeping your jawbone healthy. When you have a missing tooth, your jawbone is exposed and susceptible to infection and bone deterioration. While other restorative dental treatments, like bridges, can provide the aesthetics you desire, they do not insert into the jawbone and can, in fact, separate from the jawbone causing a gap, and thus making your jawbone once again prone to infection and deterioration.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
If you’re a Belmont resident with a missing tooth, missing teeth, or need a tooth extraction and you want to maintain the function of a natural tooth and protect your jawbone, you may be an excellent candidate for dental implants. But, the only way to know for sure if you are going to be a good candidate for dental implants is to come into the Belmont Dental Restorative Group for a full examination and consultation.
Personalized Implant Consultations in Belmont
When you come into the Belmont Dental Restorative Group, we provide you with personalized care to treat your own unique needs. We take the time to know each of our patients individually and to come up with an individualized treatment plan for you.
We understand that deciding to get dental implants is a big decision and investment – one that you are hoping will last a lifetime. We will take all the time needed to explain the procedure to you and answer any questions or concerns that you may have.
To schedule an appointment with the Belmont Dental Restorative Group, call (617) 489-1470.
Related Reading
- Chewing with Dental Implants
- 10 Reasons To Consider Dental Implants
- How to Make Your Dental Restorations Last for Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dental implants last a lifetime?
Dental implants are built to last. With proper oral hygiene care, they can last for decades or a lifetime. That longevity is a large part of why implants are such a popular choice for Belmont patients who are missing teeth or need an extraction.
What is a dental implant made of?
A titanium rod is inserted into the jawbone and a realistic looking crown is placed over the rod. The rod mimics the root structure of a natural tooth and provides the function, while the crown provides the appearance you want from your smile.
Are dental implants better than a dental bridge?
Implants insert into the jawbone, which helps keep the bone healthy. Bridges can provide the aesthetics you want, but they do not insert into the jawbone and can separate from it, leaving a gap that makes the bone prone to infection and deterioration.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
If you are missing a tooth or teeth, or need an extraction, and you want to maintain the function of a natural tooth and protect your jawbone, you may be an excellent candidate. A full examination and consultation is the only way to know for sure.
What happens to the jawbone when a tooth is missing?
When a tooth is missing, the jawbone in that area is exposed and susceptible to infection and bone deterioration. Placing an implant into the bone is the best restorative option for keeping the jawbone healthy, which sets implants apart from other tooth replacement treatments.
Can I eat normally with dental implants?
Because the titanium rod mimics your natural tooth root, an implant gives you the functionality of a natural tooth, including the ability to eat the foods you love without worrying about the restoration slipping or falling out of place the way some appliances can.
