Almost every blog post, research study, or news article you can find about dental implants shares how generally successful these replacements are; in fact, about 95 percent of dental implants are still functioning perfectly well 10 years after being placed in a patient’s mouth. These odds and longevity are difficult to beat for most medical and dental procedures! But how have implants become so successful? How can your dentist ensure positive results in your case? Keep reading to find out!
Unique Approach to Replacement
Compared to traditional bridges and dentures, implants offer a special but critical difference: root replacement. While normal dentures and bridges address the crown portion, implants go deeper and bond directly with the jawbone, giving it amazing stability, strength, and natural longevity. In other words, if you want your smile to last, even after you’ve lost teeth, dental implants will be your best bet to make that design happen!
Thorough Implant Consultation
Before the dentist reaches for the first tool to start the placement procedure, they must have a consultation with you. Not only can they learn about your needs and goals, but they can also inspect your gums and any remaining teeth at this appointment. This examination is important to establish that your mouth is healthy enough to heal properly and support the implants. They must also inquire about your medical history and current medications. Information like this can determine whether your treatment will be successful. In some cases, those who don’t initially qualify can become eligible through other treatments or therapies like gum disease or bone grafts.
Advanced Technology
On top of having an infection-free mouth, you must have a strong jawbone to surround and stabilize your implant posts. Although traditional X-rays can reveal the state of the jawbone, more advanced technology with a cone beam CT scanner can show a much more detailed view of the oral cavity. With this imagery, your dentist can even tell where blood vessels and nerve endings are located, helping them plan the procedure with more accuracy. With fewer complications, you can enjoy successful and smooth recovery.
Continuing Aftercare and Maintenance
Although the initial placement procedure is undoubtedly important, the work doesn’t end when the restoration is attached to the implant. In fact, it’s just the beginning! Keeping dental implants successful for the long term requires an ongoing commitment to oral hygiene, healthier diet choices, and smart lifestyle improvements. At home, daily brushing and flossing must continue (even if you have all prosthetic teeth) to prevent plaque buildup and infection, and limiting your sugar consumption can help control bacterial growth in your mouth. Also, regular checkups must keep occurring to preserve your implants for decades to come.
If you want to experience the same success you read about with your dental implants, you must make sure to work with an experienced dentist as well as work on your own. Thanks to advancements, your dentist’s preparation, and your own dedication, you can see comparable promising results for your own smile moving forward.
About the Author
As a Fellow with the Academy of General Dentistry, Dr. Devarshee Patel has proven her expertise, commitment to ongoing training, and skills as a clinical dentist. In her practice, Titanium Dental & Implants, she proudly is able to handle every step of the implant process in her one office in Fort Worth. As a result, she can assist you along the journey to a complete smile, starting with a consultation. Need to schedule one? Call the team at 817-367-9333 or go online here to get one booked.