Do Dental Implants Need To Be Replaced? What You Should Know

You may have heard that dental implants in East Amherst are a “permanent” solution for restoring missing teeth. But is that really true? Will your dental implants ever need to be replaced, or can they really last for the rest of your life? Find out now in this blog from The Ivory Dental Co.

‍Healthy Dental Implants Will Never Need To Be Replaced

First, it’s important to understand what, exactly, a dental implant is. There are three primary parts that make up a dental implant:

• Dental implant “post” – Often simply referred to as the “dental implant,” this is a screw-shaped piece of titanium that’s surgically implanted into your gums and jaw bone. It functions as an artificial tooth root, and permanently bonds with your jaw, becoming a natural part of your body.
  
• Abutment – The abutment is another small metal component that attaches to the dental implant after it has healed. It works as an anchor point for your dental implant restoration.
  
• Dental implant restoration – A dental crown (false tooth) for a single dental implant is the most common type of dental implant restorations. But multiple implants can be used with an implant-supported bridge or a set of implant-supported dentures to replace several teeth, or a whole mouth of teeth.

Now that that’s out of the way, we can answer your question. Your dental implant itself, the small metal post that’s surgically implanted into your gums and jaw, will never “wear out.” As long as it heals properly and you keep it healthy, your dental implant will remain sturdy and strong, and you can keep it forever.

There are some exceptions, of course. If you don’t take care of your mouth, you could develop an infection near the implant, which could compromise it. Or, if you undergo chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer, your implant may become damaged and wear out.

… But Your Dental Implant Restoration May Require Replacement

So, your dental implant will likely never need to be replaced. But that’s not necessarily true of your dental implant restoration. For example, if you have a dental crown that attaches to your dental implant, it could wear down over time, just like a natural tooth.

Your teeth are subject to a lot of wear and tear as you eat, so it’s not too uncommon for your dental implant restoration or even your abutment to fail. However, you can still expect to go 10 years, 15 years, or even longer before you need to consider replacing your dental implant restoration.

This is also one of the reasons that it’s important to see a dentist like Dr. Bridget Sweeney for checkups every six months. During your teeth cleaning and oral exam, Dr. Sweeney and the team at The Ivory Dental Co. can check on your natural teeth, and also perform implant maintenance and make sure your implant and your restoration are both in good shape.

Replace Your Missing Teeth Permanently With Dental Implants In East Amherst, NY

Dental implants are the most durable, long-lasting, and natural way to replace one or more missing teeth. And at The Ivory Dental Co., we’re here to help you restore your smile and your self-confidence. As an experienced implant dentist, East Amherst dentist Dr. Sweeney can provide you with the expert care you need for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Contact us online or give us a call at (716) 221-0042 to schedule a consultation today, and see if dental implants in East Amherst, NY are right for you.