When it comes to replacing teeth, dental implants are a highly reliable option. The treatment boasts an impressive success rate of 95%; this means that when you fill in the gaps in your smile with sturdy implant posts, you can typically expect them to last a very long time. Curious about what makes dental implants so successful? Here’s a closer look at a few key factors.
Thorough Oral Health Reviews
Before beginning the dental implant process, your dentist will need to confirm that you are a candidate for the procedure. To that end, they will carefully examine your mouth and jaw in order to get a full picture of your oral health situation. They will specifically keep an eye out for issues that could affect the success of dental implants, such as bone loss in the jaw or untreated gum disease.
If any problems are found, your dentist may be able to address them with certain preliminary treatments. For example, a lack of bone tissue can often be corrected via bone grafting. By dealing with bone loss and other issues before your dental implant surgery, your dentist can keep the risk of complications occurring to a minimum.
Treatments Planned to the Last Detail
When planning your dental implant surgery, your dentist will utilize a piece of technology called a CBCT scanner. This device can capture multiple images of your mouth and combine them into a three-dimensional model that reveals the location of nerve pathways and various important dental structures. Using this model, your dentist will be able to determine precisely where your dental implants need to be placed in your jaw to maximize the chances of success.
Easy Maintenance
If you want your dental implants to last as long as possible, you need to take excellent care of them. Fortunately, this is an easier task than some people might think. Caring for dental implants is very similar to caring for natural teeth. You simply need to brush and floss them at least two times a day while continuing to visit your dentist twice a year for preventive care. You don’t have to worry about buying any specialized products; simply maintaining good oral hygiene habits can go a long way toward keeping your dental implants in good condition.
Thanks to the factors listed above, dental implants can typically be trusted to last for many years. If you’re looking for a tooth replacement option you can count on in the long term, dental implants are certainly a choice worth considering.
About the Author
Dr. Hiren Patel is a graduate of the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. He has Fellowship status with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and he has completed over 100 hours of continuing education focusing on implant dentistry. He is proud to be able to offer start-to-finish dental implant procedures at HIC Dental – Implant & Family Dentistry in San Antonio. If you think dental implants may be right for you, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Patel by visiting his website or calling (210) 590-2736.