Dental Implants: Replacement and Restoration
Dental implants in Modesto, CA, are a popular option for replacing missing teeth. Implants are strong, and they look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth.
Dental implants are titanium posts (they look like small screws) that are used to replace a tooth’s root. A dental implant can be used to replace a single tooth, several teeth, or an entire arch of upper teeth, lower teeth, or both. They are also successfully used to anchor dentures and bridges as well.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
After removing your tooth, the dental implant will be surgically placed in your jawbone. Over time, bone will grow around your new implant. That bone is what securely holds your new implant in place.
Once the bone has fused with the titanium post, the dentist in Modesto, CA, will add an abutment to the top of the post, and then permanently place an artificial tooth on top of the abutment. This completes the dental implant.
It usually takes several months to complete the entire dental implant process. Your dentist will give you an approximate time frame based on your specific situation.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
The titanium post portion of your implant will generally last a lifetime (with good oral hygiene) since it will be encased within your jawbone. However, the artificial tooth (crown) will need to be replaced every 10-15 years or so, maybe longer, with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits.
Who Is Not a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
If you grind your teeth, smoke, take blood thinners or immunosuppressants, have a weakened immune system, or have certain medical conditions such as diabetes, osteoporosis, or heart disease, you might not be a good candidate for getting dental implants.
Bone Grafting to Enable a Dental Implant
You might not be a good candidate for dental implants if you don’t have enough bone in your jaw. However, in some cases, your dentist might be able to perform a bone graft to replace or regenerate the volume of your jawbone so it can support a dental implant.
Dental Implant Restoration Explained
If your existing dental implants are failing, you might need to see the dentist about a dental implant restoration. However, when placed directly into the jawbone, most dental implants have a 95%+ success rate.
What Causes a Dental Implant to Fail?
Many reasons could cause your dental implants to fail.
- Peri-implantitis (gum disease).
- Implant rejection.
- Certain medications.
- Smoking.
- Poor oral hygiene.
- Failed osseointegration (bone not properly fusing to the implant).
- Physical injury or trauma.
- Improper implant placement.
- Insufficient jawbone.
- Bruxism or teeth grinding.
- Incorporating hard, crunchy, or sticky foods back into your diet too soon after a dental implant surgery.
These are just a few causes of dental implant failure.
The Signs of Dental Implant Failure
If you notice your gums receding around the implant, pain or swelling around the implant site, or if an implant feels loose, it might be failing, and you should contact a dentist immediately.
How to Restore a Failing Dental Implant
When you have a failing dental implant and need an implant restoration, your dentist will do the following.
- Perform an exam to determine the problem.
- Adjust or tighten the screw if necessary.
- Replace the crown (artificial tooth) if it’s cracked or damaged.
- Add a bone graft if you have bone loss around the implant.
- In case of a total implant failure due to improper positioning, infection, or insufficient bone to support an implant, the entire dental implant will need to be removed and replaced with a new one.
Are You Looking for a Dentist in Modesto, CA?
Are you thinking about getting dental implants? Please Contact Valley Esthetics Dental Group to schedule a consultation. We have comfortable offices and will treat you with all the care and respect you deserve. And we’d love to show you just how easy and affordable our dental treatments can be.
