What are the benefits of dental implants?
You won't be able to tell the difference between your natural teeth and the dental implant. You won't have to restrict your eating habits, which also means proper digestion and nutrition. Caring for your teeth is also easier with dental implants, and they even prevent deterioration of the bone where you lost your tooth.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
If you are in good dental and general health and missing at least one tooth, then you can probably get a dental implant. In fact, you can get an implant even if you aren't missing teeth as long as one of your teeth is broken or weakened enough to need to be pulled. If you suffer from any medical problems, let your dentist know, as certain conditions can lead to complications during the procedure.
Do dental implants fail?
With a 95% documented success rate, dental implants are one of the most successful dental procedures available. Those that fail are likely damaged by patients smoking or grinding their teeth in the bonding process. Dental implants are made with titanium, which means they'll stay strong and your body is very unlikely to reject it. Titanium is commonly used in hip and knee replacements, and dental implants are no exception to their usual safety.
How long do dental implants last?
For many, dental implants last them a lifetime, but the average lifespan for dental implants is around 30 years. The actual lifetime varies from person to person, but they should last longer with proper care. Dental bridges, an alternative to dental implants, usually last around 7-10 years, making them less cost effective than implants.
How long does the procedure take?
From first visit to completion, getting dental implants will take between three to nine months. The procedures themselves are relatively short, but the time required between the preliminary surgery and the crown installment can last several months. This time is used to let the bone bond to the implant, so it can vary by each patient's thickness of jawbone and other factors of the quality of bone.
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