For many individuals with missing teeth, deciding on a teeth replacement option comes down to which dental treatment affords the longest-lasting solution. Because of the permanent nature of dental implants, dental implant surgery is a preferred option for those who need teeth replacements.
If you are dealing with damaged or missing teeth, your dentist may recommend dental implants as a permanent tooth replacement option. Many patients favour this dental procedure, thanks to its ability to provide natural-looking and functioning teeth that can last for years.
To learn about how long do tooth implants last and the other benefits of dental implants, here’s everything you need to know about dental implant surgery.
How Does Dental Implant Surgery Work?
Dental implant surgery is performed by inserting titanium dental implants, which act as artificial tooth roots, into the jawbone. These dental implants are placed where there is a missing tooth root to fuse with the jawbone and provide a sturdy base for replacement teeth or crowns that will be placed on the implants.
Tooth implants are made to look and function just like your natural teeth so that no matter how many tooth replacements you need, they match your surrounding teeth to give you a natural-looking and confident smile.
Generally, dental implant surgery is performed in stages over several months: Implant placement, placing the abutment, and placing replacement teeth. Before your dentist or oral surgeon can place the implant, you’ll need a consultation to make sure dental implants are the right choice for you.
When you get your dental implant surgery at No Gaps Dental, your first visit includes a consultation where your dentist completes a comprehensive oral exam, using 3D images or X-rays to assess the health of your jawbone. If they deem you a suitable candidate for dental implants, they discuss your tooth implant options and create a customised plan. If you need additional extractions or bone grafts, these procedures are scheduled first.
Your next visit to the clinic is when your dentist places the implants using anaesthetic or dental sedation to ensure your comfort throughout the surgery. Depending on your situation, your dentist may also decide to attach the abutment at the end of the procedure.
Depending on how long it takes for your implant to fuse with your jawbone, you’ll spend anywhere from three to six months in the healing stage. Once you’re fully healed, you’ll be ready for the next surgical step: Placing the abutment. This small connector is situated on the implant above your gum line.
After your gums have completely healed, it will be time for your new replacement teeth. During this session, your dentist takes impressions of your mouth to make custom restoration teeth that look and feel just like your natural teeth. At No Gaps Dental, we use CEREC technology to create same-day crowns, so you can have your new teeth designed in only one visit.
From start to finish, dental implant surgery can take anywhere from six to nine months. Of course, the process looks different for everyone and can take more or less time depending on the number of teeth that need replacement, the patient’s overall jawbone and oral health, healing time, and other factors.
While the process to complete a tooth implant procedure is somewhat lengthy, when you’re considering how long do tooth implants last, the lasting nature of this restorative dental work makes the surgery worthwhile for most patients.
What are the Advantages of Dental Implants?
Like dentures and bridges, dental implants can replace one or several damaged or missing teeth that are compromised by injury, infection, decay, or gum disease. However, the permanent nature of dental implants offers patients many advantages over dentures and bridgework.
One of the greatest benefits of tooth implants is that they restore your ability to chew by mimicking natural teeth. In most cases, patients can’t distinguish between real and artificial teeth because they look and feel the same.
Unlike dentures, you also don’t have to worry about the fear of your teeth slipping or falling out while you talk, laugh, or eat. These permanently fixed teeth mean you can go about all your daily activities with confidence.
Even more importantly, tooth implants can help prevent bone loss. When you have gaps left behind from damaged or missing teeth, the surrounding bone can deteriorate over time. When you get a tooth replacement, it stimulates natural bone growth. The implant also keeps adjacent teeth in place, preventing them from shifting and altering your bite.
Other advantages of getting dental implants include keeping you free of gum disease because you no longer have gaps for bacteria to get trapped in. They also prevent unwanted facial sagging from continued bone loss.
Even if you have an insufficient amount of bone for the implants to fuse with, you may still be a candidate for tooth implants. With additional bone grafting and reconstruction, most patients can receive dental implants.
How Long Do Tooth Implants Last?
With the proper care and healthy oral hygiene habits, the answer to how long do tooth implants last is a lifetime. While dental bridges may last around a decade, this state-of-the-art dental solution can last your entire life. The strong titanium the implant is made from, along with its integration with the jawbone, means it’s a durable, long-lasting teeth replacement option. The crowns placed on top of the dental implant can last from 15-25 years.
As long as you brush and floss regularly and continue to see your dentist for regular check-ups, you can preserve your dental implants for years to come.
Rejuvenate Your Smile With No Gaps Dental
If you are looking for a permanent solution to missing teeth that can help restore your confidence and smile, No Gaps Dental can help. Book an appointment today by calling on (02) 8806 0227 to discuss the best dental implant option for you.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.