Living with missing teeth is no fun. Not only can they create obstacles for chewing and speaking, but they can impact your self esteem. At Northside Dental, one of our favorite things about our work is seeing the effect that our restorative treatments have on our patients. When our patients show off their smiles again after receiving a dental implant, it’s easy to see the boost in confidence the treatment provides. If you’re considering restorative treatment options, this article will help you decide whether dental implants are right for you.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are one of our most popular restorative treatments because they restore both the appearance and the function of the missing tooth or teeth. A dental implant consists of three parts: the titanium post, a connector, and the crown.
The titanium post is surgically implanted into your jawline and acts like a natural tooth root in anchoring the implant.
The connector, called an abutment, sits at the top of the implant and connects it to the crown.
The crown is custom-made to match your natural teeth – once your implant is complete, no one will be able to tell that it’s not your natural tooth!
How Long Does a Dental Implant Crown Last?
Dental implants are a long-term solution for missing teeth. The implant itself should last you the rest of your life if you practice good oral hygiene and keep up with your twice-yearly dental exams. With proper care, dental implant crowns can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, depending on their material. One way to maximize the lifespan of your dental implant crown is to practice a good oral hygiene routine at home. This means brushing your teeth twice daily for two minutes each time and flossing every day. You’ll also want to avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or fingernails as it can damage both your dental crown and your natural teeth.
Dental Implants in Raleigh, NC
Northside Dental offers a number of solutions to replace missing teeth, but dental implants top the list. To ask our team any questions about dental implants or to schedule your next preventive care appointment, call our office today!