Do Dental Implants Ever Need to Be Replaced?

When you’ve experienced tooth loss, you want to find the best way to replace your teeth in Farmingdale, NY. At Ferrari & Aldieri Dental Associates, our dentists use dental implants to help our patients restore their smiles. Tooth loss affects not only how your smile looks, but also how you bite, chew, and speak. Some of our patients feel self-conscious because of their missing teeth. However, dental implants can be used to restore a smile efficiently. During a consultation, our team can examine your teeth and gums to determine if you’re a candidate for implants.

How do dental implants work?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically inserted into the jawbone to make them a long-term tooth loss solution. They look natural, which allows our patients in Farmingdale, NY to enjoy a better appearance and improved oral health. Once implants are inserted into the jaw, osseointegration must occur where the bone fuses with the implants to make them durable. Average healing time can take anywhere from two to six months. After we determine that healing has finished, a custom crown is placed on top of your implant.

To be a good candidate for dental implants, you must have:

One or more missing teeth
A strong jawbone to withstand the healing process
Good overall health
No existing dental issues (they must be resolved before the implant process begins)

The dental implant process

There are three parts to dental implants in Farmingdale, NY:

Planning: During the planning phase, we determine if you’re a candidate for dental implants. Some patients may need a bone graft for support before an implant can be used.
Placement: Your dental implants are surgically placed into your jawbone. Patients receive local anesthesia during implant placement. An incision is made at the gumline to insert the post. The gums are then sutured shut.
Completion: Once the implant and the jawbone heal, the process is completed. We take X-rays to make sure your implant is in the right place. Once we know it is, we attach a crown or bridge to the screw.

How long can a dental implant last?

Most of our patients ask if dental implants are permanent. The amount of time that implants last depends on how well you care for them. An efficient at-home oral hygiene routine that includes regular brushing and flossing keeps your smile intact. Also, the location of your implant determines how long it will last as teeth in the back receive more pressure than other teeth. Poor oral hygiene can lead to implant failure and the development of gum disease. When maintained well, an implant can last a lifetime with regular dental exams and routine cleanings. The crown can last up to 15 years.

Why implants decline over time

Two main things contribute to implant failure: failed osseointegration and peri-implantitis. This usually occurs from six months after surgery to the first few years. Peri-implantitis is a gum disease that attacks implants with an infection that damages any bone around them. Failed osseointegration occurs when the bone grows around the implant, which makes it too tight. This can happen if a patient smokes, if bone grafting was improperly used, or if the bone quality isn’t great.

Learn how dental implants can replace teeth successfully

Dental implants are great for patients with missing teeth who are looking to restore their smile. To learn more about dental implants, call our team at Ferrari & Aldieri Dental Associates to schedule an appointment at our Farmingdale, NY office today.