30
May
Do Dental Implants Last Forever? Answering Commonly Asked Questions about Dental Implant Longevity
Have you lost your teeth to injury, disease, or decay? You don’t have to live with the embarrassment of tooth loss. Dental implants in Seattle, Washington, can remedy your situation with the most life like and long-lasting results. A Dental & Denture is one of the leading dental implant providers in the Seattle area. Whether you need single-unit or full-mouth dental implants, you can expect expert care.
If you feel dental implants are right for you, schedule an appointment with the team at A Dental & Denture today.
What is a dental implant?
Unlike a bridge or denture, a tooth implant replaces your entire tooth from the root to the crown. The implant is a titanium or zirconia post placed into the jawbone to act as a prosthetic root. The implant fixture is created from materials well-tolerated by your body, so it will fuse with the jawbone after a few months.
Since your implant remains buried in the gums, we’ll attach an abutment atop the implant fixture to link with the replacement tooth. The topmost component of a dental implant is a beautiful, custom-made crown, bridge, or denture, depending on the number of teeth lost.
Dental implants mimic your natural teeth more than any other tooth replacement. Anchored securely in the jawbone, a dental implant doesn’t wobble or wiggle when you use your teeth. They remain solid whether you’re smiling, talking, or eating hard foods like nuts or steak.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are designed to last many years. In fact, they can last a lifetime with proper care. Why? An implant biologically integrates with your jawbone to form a permanent structure. Unless you get dental trauma or implant infections (peri-implantitis), your implant should last for life! When you get an implant, you make a lifetime investment in your smile and confidence.
Although your implant fixture lasts many years, the crown may not last as long. Your crown is made from porcelain to balance aesthetics and durability. Porcelain crowns are durable, but they aren’t permanent. Your dental crown will last 10-15 years before needing replacement because of daily wear and tear.
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New Patients: (206) 445-0030 | Existing Patients: (206) 440-1500
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What can I do to make the implant last this long?
While dental implants last many years, they do require some maintenance. Although dental implants are artificial, the surrounding gums and bone are vulnerable to infections. Observe the following steps to keep your implants healthy.
- Brush and floss your teeth regularly
- Avoid smoking
- Schedule an appointment with a dentist every six months
- Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth chronically
- Eat a dental-friendly diet
Ready for dental implants in Seattle, WA?
If you want to replace your missing teeth with durable dental implants, schedule an appointment with A Dental & Denture by calling (206) 445-0030. We can’t wait to restore your teeth with a lifelong tooth replacement.
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Angelica P. Summer, DPD, has been a Licensed Denturist in Seattle, Washington, since 1996. She has owned and operated A Dental and Denture in North Seattle since 1999. She completed her education at the University of the East and specializes in creating all types of dentures while you wait. Angelica is an active member of the Washington Denturist Association, National Denturist Association, and International Federation of Denturists.
Isabella Amar, DDS, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Math from the University of Washington and completed her doctorate from the UW School of Dentistry. During her academic career, she won Outstanding Scholastic Achievement and
Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society recognitions. Her approach to dental care is to provide the most optimal quality of treatment, creating a gentle experience and comfortable environment by forming personal connections with her patients and following up to ensure long-lasting results. She is also fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese.
Fawaz Hatem, BDS, MSD, is an Oral Medicine Specialist with over 20 years of experience. He completed his Bachelor of Dental Surgery in Baghdad, Iraq, and obtained a Master’s degree from the UW School of Dentistry and further training from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles. Dr. Hatem has specialized training in Invisalign orthodontic treatment, sleep dentistry, teeth whitening, and administering Botox and dermal filler injections to enhance facial aesthetics and relieve TMJ symptoms. He is proficient in Arabic and English.
Dental Implant Specialist Kevin La, DDS, received his doctorate from UCLA School of Dentistry and his postgraduate qualification – an AEGD certificate – from the UPenn School of Dental Medicine. He is an Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and is now a mentor for Associate Fellow Candidates. He is also a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantology and a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/ Implant Dentistry. The latter designation is the highest level of competence in implant dentistry. Dr. La serves as a mentor in study clubs and implant training courses. He is now in the teaching faculty at the Pacific Implant Academy (PIA) and co-director for the PIA Implant Live Surgery Course in Tijuana, Mexico.
All providers have years of experience and expertise in their respective areas and are focused on continuing education to provide the best services for their patients. They aim to bring beautiful, healthy smiles to everyone in Seattle, WA.