Dental Implants to Last a Lifetime

Senior woman smiling in a room

How Do Orthodontists Plan Dental Implants?

Each dental implant treatment requires a custom treatment plan by a qualified orthodontist. Generally, the orthodontist considers:

  • Overall oral health of the patient.
  • The patient’s medical history: diabetes, smoker/non-smoker, and other conditions that might impact the success of the treatment.
  • Timing of implants with removal of teeth.

The most important stage of planning includes imaging to design the dental implant treatment. Periodontists like Dr. Guzman depend upon CT scans and other imaging technology to capture a 3D image of the patient’s jaw. The images are combined with CAD (computer-aided design) processes to create the “perfect” set of implants for a patient.

What Do I Need to Do Immediately After My Dental Implant Procedure?

There are some basic care considerations for after your dental implants. Here are a few of the most important things:

  • Make sure that you wear gauze as recommended and replace it as necessary.
  • You will need to stick to a liquid/soft-food diet for a while, while gradually transitioning back to solid foods. Make sure not to skip meals!
  • Rinse with salt water at first, but be sure to brush your teeth, being gentle around the implant site.

In the long run, you will need to practice good oral hygiene as normal and attend your regular dental visits.

How Long Will My Dental Implant Last?

Your dental implant will last a lifetime, given the right conditions. Like your regular teeth, implants need to be taken care of with daily brushing, flossing, and rinsing. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or cancer, can cause the prosthetic to fail. Conversely, a crown after a root canal will most often last for 10 to 15 years. Mouth location is often a major determinant in the life of your implant. Molar replacement receives more “wear and tear,” due to the chewing force in the back of the mouth.

Realistically, dental implants have a success rate of 98%, but with recent advances, they will likely last for the rest of your life.

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