Dental implants have become the most popular tooth replacement option worldwide, due to their excellent durability, function, and aesthetics.

According to the American Dental Association, an implant is a screw-shaped or cylindrical fixture that is inserted into the jawbone to serve as a replacement tooth root for artificial teeth. Over time, the implant becomes fused with the surrounding bone tissue and offers a stable foundation for the attachment of the artificial teeth. 

If you are interested in getting your missing teeth replaced with dental implants, but you’re not sure whether they are a suitable option for you, read on. This article explains everything you need to know about tooth replacement with dental implants. 

What Is A Dental Implant Lifespan? 

Dental implants are by far the most durable and long-lasting tooth replacement option currently available. According to the American Dental Association, dental implants can last for a lifetime if they are looked after properly through optimal oral hygiene maintenance. Research has also shown that the five-year success rate of dental implants is more than 98.5% – which is the highest among all the replacement options currently available for missing teeth. 

Can Dental Implants Fallout? 

When inserted by an experienced and qualified dentist, dental implants have an excellent success rate. However, implant failure can occur in some cases, especially when there is an underlying local or generalised bone pathology.

Dental implants can fail in extreme circumstances although this is why dentists wait a few months after implantation, to allow the implant to fully integrate into the bone. This ensures undisturbed and optimal healing of the implant surgical site. 

How Are Dental Implants Made? 

Dental implants are manufactured in large factories and industries that specialised in the fabrication of metallic prostheses. The majority of the dental implants nowadays are made from titanium alloys, which are known for their strength, durability and safety for use in the human body.

An implant is usually made in two pieces; the implant screw that is inserted within the bone and which serves as the artificial root, and the abutment that connects the implant with the crown or the artificial tooth. 

These artificial teeth are then made by a highly skilled dental technician, this is the part of the implant that you see, the titanium section is hidden under the gum.

How Do One Day Dental Implants Work? 

Normally, dentists wait for a few months before they attach a suitable prosthesis over the implant to replace the missing teeth. This is done to ensure the uninterrupted healing of the implant insertion site.

Once the implant has become firmly embedded within the bone, your dentist will load it with a suitable prosthesis.

However, in some cases, dentists may also choose to attach a prosthesis over the implant immediately after tooth extraction and implant insertion.

Such types of implants are known as immediate implants. It must be noted that not everyone is a suitable candidate for getting same-day or one-day dental implants.

How Long Do Implants Takes To Heal? 

After inserting the implant inside the bone, your dentist will place a healing collar over it to promote healing. Over the next few months, bone tissue will start to develop around the implant.

This process, called osseointegration, will result in an intimate contact between the implant and the jawbone. As a result, the implant becomes firmly anchored within the bone and provides a solid foundation for the attachment of the artificial teeth. This process can take anywhere between eight weeks to six months, depending on your oral and physical health status. 

Do Dental Implants Damage The Bone? 

Unlike the removable dentures that damage the bone due to the constant pressure they exert, dental implants do not cause any bone damage. The implants are inserted into the bone just like the natural teeth. Instead, dental implants have a unique property known as osseoitegration, which promotes bone formation around them. As a result, dental implants, instead of causing bone resorption or damaged, promote healthy bone formation, making your jaws stronger and less prone to fracture. 

Who Can’t Get Dental Implants? 

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, any individual with good oral and physical health is a suitable candidate for getting implants.

However, not everyone may be a suitable implant candidate. For example, individuals who have severe gum disease cannot get implants unless the deficient bone has been replenished with a bone grafting procedure.

Similarly, individuals with medical history underlying bone pathologies or other chronic medical illnesses like hypertension and diabetes may not be suitable candidates for getting implants, unless they have undergone treatment.

During the initial consultation, your dentist will inform you whether dental implants are a suitable option for you. Once all the underlying problems have been treated, only then your dentist will proceed with the preparation of a treatment plan to replace your missing teeth with implants. 

Who Can Get Dental Implants?

The most critical requirement for getting dental implants is good quality bone that can support, and anchor the implants. Therefore, an ideal implant candidate is one who has:

• good oral health
• is fit
• and free from any medical or dental illness.

However, even if you do not have sufficient bone in the jaw available to support an implant, no need to worry. Your dentist may be able to replenish the lost bone tissue with a bone graft procedure. This procedure involves taking a bone tissue from a human, animal or synthetic source, and placing it at the site where the bone tissue is insufficient. Over a weeks or months, the graft joins with the existing bone restores the optimal density and volume of the jawbone that is essential for implant placement. 

Dental implants can truly change your life! Not only they allow you to eat and speak normally but also restore your facial aesthetics and self-esteem. If you are interested in getting implants in Dublin D4, don’t go anywhere other than Pembroke Dental Ballsbridge! Our dental clinic takes pride in having state-of-the-art dental equipment and a team of highly qualified and experienced dentists who will ensure that your implants look, function, and feel just like your own teeth!

So, what are you waiting for? Book a consultation appointment with us today and let us give you your dream smile with dental implants. 

Losing one or more teeth can significantly impact one’s facial aesthetics and quality of life. Even a single missing tooth can create problems in eating and speaking. Besides, tooth loss also results in bone resorption around the vacant tooth socket, making the jawbones weaker. That is why it essential to get your missing teeth replaced as soon as possible. 

When it comes to replacing one or more missing teeth, you have several options to choose from, such as removable dentures, fixed bridges, and dental implants. However, if we talk about a reliable, long-lasting, and aesthetically pleasant tooth replacement option,  dental implants are undoubtedly the best. This article explains everything you need to know about dental implants and why they should be your first choice for missing tooth replacement. 

Can You Have Dental Implants With Receding Gums?

According to the Oral Health Foundation, an implant is a screw-shaped metallic fixture inserted directly into the jawbone – to serve as replacement roots. Dental implants rely on their bond with the surrounding bone for  stability and retention. Therefore, the more firmly they are anchored within the jawbone, the better the support they will provide to the false teeth attached to them.  

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, gum recession indicates an underlying periodontal infection. Gum recession occurs  because of the toxins released by the harmful bacteria in the oral cavity, which destroy the fibres that attach our teeth to the gums and the bone.

Besides, widespread destruction of the underlying jawbone makes it difficult for the implant to anchor and support artificial teeth firmly. Therefore, you should only consider getting implants once your underlying dental problems have been treated. Otherwise, it could lead to complications, including premature implant failure. 

Will Getting Dentures Stop Gum Disease?

Like all tooth replacement options, you should only get dentures when you are free from gum infection. The reason is that the removable dentures rely mainly on the underlying bone for their retention and support. If the jawbone is already damaged due to periodontal inflammation, wearing dentures may accelerate bone resorption, causing even more complications.

That is why dental experts only allow their patients to wear dentures once they have treated all their underlying dental issues.  

How Long Can You Keep Your Teeth With Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease can be easily managed and reversed during its early stages. However, as it progresses, it causes widespread damage to the gums and the jawbone that supports our teeth. The fibres that connect our teeth to the gums and the jawbone are destroyed over time, making the teeth mobile, in addition to causing gum recession and cavities on the root surface. Ultimately, untreated, advanced stage periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss. So, it all depends on how fast the periodontal disease is progressing. The good news is that you avoid periodontal disease by ensuring optimal oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly for checkups. 

How Long Do Dental Implants Take To Heal?

Typically, it takes three to four months for healthy bone to form around the implant and the surgical site to heal completely. Once your dentist confirms that sufficient healing has taken place, they will attach a suitable prosthesis over it – dental crowns, bridges or dentures – to replace the missing teeth.

Placement of dental implants is a surgical process that is performed under local anaesthesia. Your dentist will first make an incision over the soft tissues covering the jawbone where the implant is to be inserted.

Afterwards, they will drill a hole in the bone,  followed by careful implant placement at the desired position. Once the implant has been inserted, your dentist will place a healing collar over it to ensure uninterrupted healing.

Recovery of the surgical implant site also depends on various factors such as your oral health and overall general health status, and any medications you might be taking for underlying medical conditions.  

How Long Do Implant Crowns Last?

Dentists replace a single missing tooth by attaching a crown over the implants, this can often be a zirconia crown. The zirconia crowns not only possess natural aesthetics but are also highly durable and safe for use in the oral cavity. Research has shown that the zirconia crowns are least likely to crack under heavy biting forces. With optimal oral hygiene maintenance and care, you can expect the implant-supported zirconia crowns to last for a long time – over 10-15 years. 

How Long Does The Implant Itself Last?

Dental implants are made in the form of titanium posts, which possess excellent durability and strength. According to the research, dental implants have a 10-year success rate of more than 95%.

According to the Oral Health Foundation, dental implants require the same care as your natural teeth and gums. Simply maintain optimal oral hygiene through brushing and flossing, and you won’t have to worry about your natural or implant-supported teeth. According to the American Dental Association, your implants can last for a lifetime with proper oral care and maintenance. 

Dental implants look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth. That is why, if you are thinking about getting your missing teeth replaced, you should consider dental implants.

At Pembroke Dental Ballsbridge in Dublin D4, our topmost priority is to offer the highest quality dental services to our patients. Whether you need the replacement of a single, multiple, or all your teeth, we can help you get a healthy and beautiful smile with dental implant treatment. So, book an appointment with us today and let us give you the smile of your dreams.