How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants can last for many years with careful maintenance. A dental implant post can last many years or even a lifetime, while the crown or denture on top may need replacement every seven to 10 years due to expected wear and tear.

About Dental Implants

Dental implants are one of today's most advanced tooth replacement systems. What makes a dental implant special is that it replaces the root and crown of a damaged or missing tooth. Since an implant is sturdy and bonds with the jawbone, it looks and feels like a healthy, natural tooth.

Advantages of Dental Implants

Restore the Ability to Chew

Chewing around a broken tooth or a gap in the teeth can be challenging. Dental implants allow patients to eat what they like without worry.

Restore Clear Speech

Missing teeth may cause speech difficulties, and dentures may shift or click when patients talk.

Keep Adjacent Teeth Stable

Dental implants preserve tooth alignment and keep teeth from becoming crossed and crowded. Maloccluded teeth are more likely to develop cavities and cause gum disease.

Easy Care

Dental implants are no more difficult to care for than healthy, natural teeth. Brushing, flossing, and keeping regularly scheduled dental appointments can keep implants healthy.

Dental Implant Options

We offer several workable options for dental implants to meet many patients' needs. These varieties include single-tooth implants, implant-supported bridges, full-arch dentures, and same-day implants.

The Dental Implant Procedure

Visiting an expert oral surgeon like Dr. Braasch for a dental implant ensures the best chance of a successful procedure. We can perform nearly every step of the implant procedure in our office.

Consultation

The first step is a consultation where Dr. Braasch will evaluate the patient's oral health, jawbone strength, and facial anatomy. He will use advanced equipment like the Cone Beam CT scanner to plan the surgery.

Extraction

The next step is tooth extraction, if necessary. We can often extract a damaged tooth and place a dental implant in the same surgery. Dr. Braasch can tell whether a patient can combine procedures based on their oral health.

Bone Grafts

If the patient has lower bone density in the jaw, they may need a bone graft procedure before proceeding. Dr. Braasch can generally place a bone graft simultaneously with a tooth extraction. Before placing the implant, the bone graft must heal for a few months.

Implant Surgery

Implant surgery is the next step. The sequence of steps varies depending on the type of restoration the patient receives, like a crown, bridge, or denture. Many patients may feel intimidated by the prospect, but thanks to advances in anesthesia and guided implant placement, you will feel comfortable during the surgery.

During all procedures, the oral surgeon makes a small opening in the jawbone and inserts a biocompatible titanium anchor. The anchor bonds with the jawbone over time, providing an excellent crown, bridge, or denture base. The anchor will eventually hold a stainless steel abutment or cap, where the oral surgeon will attach the final restoration.

After healing, the surgeon places the crown, bridge, or denture. Once the patient becomes accustomed to the new implants, they will be able to chew, speak, and smile normally and will experience a boost of self-confidence.

Good Candidates for Dental Implants

People who are good candidates for dental implants share the following:

• Healthy enough for implant surgery
• Generally good oral health with no untreated gum disease or cavities
• Non-smokers or those willing to quit
• Sufficient bone mass to anchor an implant or ability to receive bone grafts

Tips for Increasing the Lifespan of Dental Implants

Patients with dental implants need to be proactive about their oral health. Daily brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist, as recommended twice yearly, are required. Patients who neglect their oral health could develop problems that bring about rare cases of implant failure.

Improving Your Life With Dental Implants

Life with damaged or missing teeth can be challenging. You may feel embarrassed about smiling in public. You may worry that your compromised teeth will break or fall out. With implants, you will no longer have to worry and enjoy a better quality of life.

Call Braasch OMS

Call our convenient Bedford, NH, office at 603-657-1984 to schedule a dental implant consultation with Dr. Braasch. He can help you determine whether you are a good candidate for dental implants and answer your questions about the process.