Are Dental Implants Permanent? A Comprehensive Guide

If you have missing teeth, you may wonder whether there is a permanent solution to your missing teeth. You probably have encountered dental implants in your quest to complete your smile. Dental implants combine exceptional function and stunning results to restore your smile and self-confidence. But are they permanent? If you’re eager to uncover the answer, we invite you to delve into the comprehensive guide provided below by Peninsula Dental Implant Center in Menlo Park, California.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants have revolutionized the way we restore missing teeth. Instead of replacing the crown only, the implant design replaces your tooth from the root to the crown. A dental crown comprises three components, namely:

• Implant fixture i.e., screw
• Abutment
• Tooth prosthetic i.e., crown or cap

An implant post is a titanium screw that is surgically inserted in your jawbone. It anchors your crown, acting as the artificial tooth root. The biocompatible nature of titanium allows it to fuse with the jawbone to form a solid foundation for the replacement tooth.

After fusion, we install a titanium abutment above the implant post. An abutment absorbs the grinding forces and connects the implant to your crown. An abutment is customized to fit your implant and designed to emerge through the gum line. Once the implant and abutment are set, we place a dental crown to complete the restoration process. Sometimes, we may place a denture or bridge when replacing multiple lost teeth.

Are dental implants permanent?

Although dentures and bridges are perfect teeth replacement options, they require replacement after some time. Dental implants are manufactured to last for life but they require cleaning and maintenance to be useful for many years. 

Once we place dental implants in your jawbone, a critical process of osseointegration occurs. This biological process occurs over several months when bone cells grow and attach to the implant fixture. The fusion between the implant and jawbone is permanent, so your implant doesn’t require replacement in the future. However, your prosthetic may need to be replaced after 10-15 years. 

How do I maintain my dental implants?

After inserting your implants, you must adhere to a strict maintenance routine to prevent implant failure. During the healing period, brush and floss your teeth regularly and rinse your mouth with an antimicrobial mouthwash to minimize the risk of infection. 

You should manage systemic diseases, such as diabetes, that may affect healing. Also, avoid smoking because tobacco slows the healing process. Finally, adhere to dental follow-up visits as they enable us to monitor your healing progress.

When your dental implant treatment is complete, it doesn’t mean you take a break from oral care hygiene. You must observe the same dental care you do for your natural teeth. Be vigilant in your daily routine care, and don’t miss out on your bi-annual dental appointments. 

Where can I get long-lasting dental implants near me?

At Peninsula Dental Implant Center, Dr. Shivani Gupta, DDS, Master ICOI, and the team are committed to providing exceptional dental care to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. 

Call us at (650) 232-7650 or book your consultation online today to learn more about dental implants and our promotions. 

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