Are Dental Implants Permanent?

Are Dental Implants Permanent?

Dental implants are widely used to replace missing teeth, as they offer long-lasting results. While dental implants are one of the most enduring forms of dental procedure you can find, they may not be considered fully permanent. This is because there are many factors that can influence the durability of an implant and how long it lasts.

In this guide, we’ll explore whether dental implants are permanent or not – and what you can do to ensure your dental implant withstands the test of time.

What is a Dental Implant?

Dental implants are medical implants used to replace missing teeth. They are long-lasting solutions that are surgically inserted into and fused with the jawbone. This involves implanting a titanium ‘root’ into the area of the jaw where the original tooth would have been. Once this procedure is completed, there is a recovery period during which the titanium root will be given time to heal and fuse with the jawbone properly.

This process can take a few months. In the meantime, many patients opt to be fitted with a temporary dental implant crown. Once the titanium implant is fully fused within the jaw, the new implant crown can be fitted. The bespoke-made crown screws on to the titanium implant. Implant crowns are made of porcelain, a material that closely mimics the texture and slight translucency of natural teeth.

Are Dental Implants Permanent?

Most dental implants can last a lifetime, while others may last for over ten years. They are designed to be a long-term solution to missing teeth, and so your dentist will do their best to ensure the longevity of the treatment. Taking good care of your dental implants and oral health can also help them last longer.

Dental implants are considered one of the most expensive dental procedures you can have. This is because of the level of time and expertise involved with having an implant fitted, as the implantation process is considered a surgical procedure. The price for a single dental implant begins at £2200, with some level of discount often offered by private surgeries if you opt for multiple implants to be fitted at the same time.

Despite their cost, dental implants are long lasting, and many patients will not need replacement crowns or implants fitted after the initial procedure. The more you care for your dental health after an implant, the longer it is also likely to last. Exceptional oral hygiene and attending your dental appointments at least every 6 months may help make your dental implants a more permanent solution.

Making Your Dental Implant Last Longer

As with any dental procedure, you will be offered aftercare instructions after your dental implant treatment. This advice may depend on your individual lifestyle or the type of dental implant you have, so you should always ask your dentist for their specific recommendations.

While waiting for your implant to heal immediately after the procedure, there are a few things you can do:

• Take care when eating and drinking. Consider sticking with soft foods or even a liquid diet for the first couple of days after your implant procedure. Even after this, avoid chewing around the implant site for a few weeks as it heals.
  
• Don’t brush or rinse too hard. Be careful not to dislodge any blood clots as these are essential for the implant to heal properly.
  
• Keep up with your dental care routine. Although you should be gentle during the healing process, it is important you still maintain good oral hygiene. You should still follow the advice from your dentist in terms of keeping up with brushing and rinsing your mouth. They may also be able to recommend certain products or techniques.
  
• Stick to your scheduled appointments. Your dentist will likely book check-ups to see how the healing process is going. It’s important you attend these, as this allows them to identify whether everything is on track or if there is any sign of infection that needs to be dealt with.

Depending on why you needed a dental implant, your dentist may be able to offer specific advice related to ensuring your remaining natural teeth stay healthy. Alongside this, they can offer general advice to help you make sure your dental implant lasts longer:

• Avoid smoking and vaping. Smoking is one of the most damaging things for our oral health. Many dentists will advise against having a dental implant procedure if you smoke, as there will be an increased risk of infection, failed implantation, and slower healing.

• Maintain good oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing helps maintain the quality of your implant and the porcelain crown itself. Take extra care to clean around the implant area.
  
• Treat oral health issues such as gum disease. Having your teeth scaled and polished regularly can help avoid the build-up of plaque. Gum disease can eventually cause bone loss if the infection spreads into deeper tissue. This can erode the jawbone that supports your implant and other teeth.
  
• See your dentist about any problems or concerns. Stick to your 6-monthly check-ups as a long-term commitment. Don’t leave any issues with your implant to the last minute, as this may result in needing even more expensive treatments.

Dental Implants in Manchester by Ringway Dental

At Ringway Dental, our highly qualified team specialise in delivering quality cosmetic dental treatments in Manchester. Our experienced team are committed to making patients smile, improving confidence and dental health along the way.

We offer a range of dental implant treatments at competitive costs; the best solution for you will depend on the number of teeth you have missing. We offer:

• Single tooth dental implants from £2200
• Implant retained dentures from £6000
• All-on-4 dental implants from £8000
• We also offer all-on-6 implants. The exact cost of each procedure will be determined depending on your individual requirements after a consultation with our dentist.

To book an appointment or dental implant consultation with us, call our reception on 0161 437 2029 today. Investing in your smile is worth it!

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