If you have chosen to replace your missing tooth with a dental implant, you should feel assured that you are making the right choice for your health. Dental implants are the solution of choice and have remained so for several decades, as they offer many of the same advantages as natural teeth.
Implants are known to be the most conservative solution, since they do not need to connect to the neighboring teeth for support. They can prevent significant bone loss, since they permanently integrate with the underlying bone, holding it in place. This fusion or integration with the jawbone also contributes to a more comfortable chewing experience because the tooth is firmly anchored in place. The implant can be cleaned each day in the same manner as the natural teeth, requiring only a toothbrush and toothpaste for maintenance.
The advantages of dental implants are certainly impressive, but it’s important to understand what you should expect in terms of the implant process as well as the longevity of you replacement tooth. In general, the success rate for a dental implant is near 98%. When placed under ideal circumstances, and in the hands of a skilled implant dentist, only 2% of dental implants fail within the first five years of placement, and that failure rate decreases steadily after five years.
Proper conditions at the time of placement can position you for the best chances for a successful outcome. This includes good overall health for the implant patient and plentiful bone at the proposed implant site.
Once the procedure has been completed, diligent homecare, efforts to prevent gum disease, and routine dental examinations are necessary to protect your investment throughout the years. Your overall health will also be important, as uncontrolled or unaddressed medical conditions can threaten your implant at any time.
When your implant dentist places your new tooth, it is with the expectation that you will enjoy the benefits for a lifetime. Many patients find the available research and high success rate to be reassuring and even encouraging.
If you are interested in pursuing dental implant treatment to enhance your smile and would like further information, contact the office of Drs. Scott Russ and Jeffrey Sender, serving Long Island and surrounding areas, today to schedule a consultation.