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At Perio Center of Excellence, Dental implants are a permanent solution to tooth loss. They are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth because they closely mimic natural teeth' look, feel, and function. Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically placed in the jawbone where the tooth is missing to replace the roots of the tooth. The implant fuses with the bone and becomes a robust and stable structure for placing the dental crown on top. As a result, patients get a tooth that looks, feels, and functions just like a natural one. Other methods of replacing teeth may offer a different level of stability or comfort than dental implants.

How Do Implants Work?

Your dentist will place the implant with a titanium screw or anchor it directly into the jawbone tissue, or they may need to perform bone grafting first if the bone is too shallow or soft to support a dental implant. Then the dentist will attach the abutment to the implant. An abutment is a small connector piece that will hold the crown or replacement tooth in place. Finally, they’ll make an impression of the mouth and create a custom crown connected to the abutment. The procedure usually takes several visits over several months from start to finish. A temporary crown will be placed for the first visit while the patient waits for their final restoration to be created in the lab. Once the custom treatment is finished, you won’t be able to tell the difference between your natural teeth and the restored teeth with dental implants. They look, feel, and function like your natural teeth.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants are designed to mimic natural teeth; with proper care, they can last a lifetime. The lifespan of your dental implants depends on several factors, including the health of your gums and bone structure, as well as normal wear and tear. If you maintain good dental hygiene habits and regularly visit your dentist, you can expect to have a stable smile for many years.

Similarly to natural teeth, your dental implants can crack or break due to trauma and impact from accidents. Those who grind their teeth at night are also at higher risk for damage. The good news is that damaged implant crowns can often be replaced. Talk to your dentist about your options for replacing your implant crown if it breaks prematurely or becomes loose.

Get in touch with Perio Center of Excellence at 3 Grogans Park Dr. Ste 103, The Woodlands, TX 77380, or 2040 N Loop 336 W, Ste 230, Conroe, TX 77304. Call (281) 292-1833 to learn more about restoring balance to your smile and investing in long-lasting oral health. We would happily evaluate your smile and discuss options to improve your dental health and quality of life.