How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Looking into dental implants in Scarsdale? Then read this short blog post to understand how the procedure works, how long an implant lasts, and what you can do to care for your newly restored smile!

How Do Dental Implants Work? 

A dental implant is an artificial tooth used to provide long-term smile restoration. The usual implant process involves the following steps:

• Consultation: First, a dentist will carefully assess your case to determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants. They’ll make sure you have enough bone mass, healthy gums, no titanium allergy, and no pre-existing conditions that could lead to implant failure. This is why dental implants have a 97% success rate.

• Surgery: If you are a good candidate, the dentist will make a small incision into your gum and insert a titanium post, which is basically the tooth’s root. The procedure is done under local anesthesia, and you may even have sedation options available if you need them.

• Healing: Once the post is in, the body will begin to heal. This process is called osseointegration, and it can take around six months to complete. But by the end, your bone, gums, and other tissues will be fused to the post, just like they are to a natural tooth root

• Abutment and crown impression: After osseointegration is complete, you’ll get the connector piece, known as the abutment, screwed on top of the post. Then, the dentist will take an impression of the tooth and have a custom crown made.

• Crown placement: The final stage involves getting your new crown added on top of the abutment. With this, the process is over, and you can now enjoy your new smile!

Average Dental Crown Lifespan (and Tips to Extend It)

A dental crown is a permanent tooth replacement. The metal post can last a lifetime because it’s protected by the jawbone and only needs replacing if you develop an infection or suffer a direct blow to the mouth. The abutment is also rarely damaged because it’s concealed.

The dental crown can last around 15 years with the right care, maybe even longer, but it is subjected to wear and tear. Eventually, you’ll need to get a new crown, but the post and abutment will not be affected.

Here are some ways to maintain your new dental implant:

• Brush and floss daily.
• Don’t smoke
• Don't chew on hard objects.
• Wear a mouthguard if you play sports or grind your teeth.
• Avoid hard, sticky, and sweet foods.
• Eat more fresh fruits and veggies.
• Get routine dental cleanings every six months.

Find Out If You’re a Good Candidate for Dental Implants 

Come meet with Alexander Cox, DMD, FAGD, for a short oral health assessment to learn if implants are right for getting your smile restored.

Request a visit to Scarsdale Smiles online, or call our office at (914) 723-1186.