Dental implants are an investment in the future of your oral health. But one question we are frequently asked is: how long do dental implants last?
It’s a fair question. The treatment process can take between three to six months and nobody wants to go through more than they need to.Why does it take up to six months?
Dental implant treatment can take up to six months depending on:• your body’s ability to heal • your oral health • dental implant placement
If the dental implant is placed in your upper jaw it will take longer to heal than if it’s placed in your lower jaw. Typically it only takes 3 months for your jawbone to fuse with the dental implant. Once this takes place it’s only a matter of 4 to 5 weeks before the treatment is complete. In these 4 to 5 weeks, an abutment is placed in the implant and your gums close around it. Once this has healed an impression will be taken and your dental crown will be fabricated in our lab. When this is complete we will attach the dental crown to the abutment and you’ll have a new tooth.How long do dental implants last
The dental implant itself, the titanium rod inserted at the site of the missing tooth can last a lifetime. There are of course certain factors which could alter this, such as accident, injury or perioimplantitis. Perioimplantitis is essentially gum disease for dental implants and is the highest cause of dental implant failure. The dental crown attached to your dental implant will last—if proper care is taken—up to 15-20 years. Obviously if you do not take care of your teeth it could be significantly less.Taking care of your dental implant
One of the advantages of this treatment is taking care of a dental implant tooth is the same as looking after your natural teeth. With regular brushing and flossing you can help to keep your teeth healthy:• brushing twice a day • flossing at least once a day • drinking plenty of water • eating less sugary snacks • drinking less sugary drinks
A simple at-home oral hygiene routine and regular visits to Curtis Couch D.D.S in Thousand Oaks can help you to maintain your oral health for longer. If you have had any restorative dental work carried out we strongly advise you to maintain regular check-ups. This will allow us to not only look after your natural teeth but to ensure the health and vitality of your restorative work. When you receive dental implant treatment from Curtis Couch D.D.S. you will be given clear instructions of what to do immediately after treatment. Our friendly team are always here to help and are more than happy to answer any questions you have during any stage of treatment. If you would like to know more about how Curtis Couch D.D.S. in Thousand Oaks can help you, or to book an appointment, please contact us today.