How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants can last for decades and may even last for the rest of your life. They consist of durable and biocompatible materials that become a part of your natural jawbone. You won’t have to worry about breaking your implant because it can function like a natural tooth. Your dental implant will last much longer if you take care of it through routine oral hygiene. It’s easy because implants don’t require special care beyond regular brushing and flossing.

How much do dental implants cost?

The cost of dental implants varies depending on your unique situation. The number of implants, the type of implant, whether you need a supplemental procedure, and your insurance coverage are all factors that can affect the cost of your treatment. We encourage you to speak to your insurance provider to learn more about your coverage plan.

How do you take care of your dental implant after the procedure?

Dental implants are cared for daily through regular brushing and flossing. You don’t need to pay special attention to them — just treat them like natural teeth. Properly cleaning your implants helps them to last longer and keeps your mouth healthy. We also recommend routine visits to our dental office every four months. Your dentist will examine your teeth and implant, ensuring they’re healthy. We’ll also clean your mouth thoroughly and remove any spots of plaque buildup in those hard-to-reach areas. While implants are easy to care for daily, you’ll have to be careful right after your procedure. Avoid using a straw, spit gently, and stick to soft foods until you’ve healed.

What do I do in the event of complications with my implants?

If you have an issue with your dental implants, contact your implant dentist’s office so they can help you. It’s important to schedule an appointment to examine your dental implant and correct the issue so you can enjoy your new tooth. Complications with dental implants are rare and dental implants have a very high success rate. In the event of an issue, know that we’re here for you.

Dental Implant Benefits | Oak Harbor Dentist Near You

Let Our Dental Specialist Near You Help You Achieve Your Dream Smile

Dental implants have revolutionized modern dentistry, providing a permanent and natural-looking solution for missing teeth. Whether you’ve lost a tooth due to injury, decay, or other dental issues, dental implants provide unmatched functionality, aesthetics, and durability. So, what are you waiting for?

Let’s discover if dental implants are right for you! Contact some of the best dentists in Oak Harbor by calling (360) 675-6404 to schedule a consultation. We also proudly serve patients coming from Coupeville, Greenbank, and Freeland.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. These posts fuse with the bone through a process called osseointegration, providing a stable foundation for crowns, bridges, or dentures. Unlike traditional dentures or dental bridges, implants are fixed in place, offering a permanent solution that mimics the look, feel, and function of natural teeth.

Dental Implant Benefits Near Greenbank

One of the most compelling benefits of dental implants is their ability to restore a natural, beautiful smile. Implants are custom-crafted to match the shape, size, and color of your existing teeth, ensuring a seamless blend. Unlike dentures, which can look artificial or shift while speaking, implants stay securely in place, giving you the confidence to smile, laugh, and engage in social situations without worry.

Boosted self-esteem: A complete smile enhances your appearance and confidence.
Natural look: Implants are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.
Permanent solution: No need to worry about slipping or clicking like with dentures.

Dental implants don’t just replace missing teeth—they protect your overall oral health. When a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone begins to deteriorate due to a lack of stimulation. Implants mimic natural tooth roots, stimulating the jawbone and preventing bone loss. Implants don’t require altering your healthy adjacent teeth, preserving your natural tooth structure.

Dental implants are designed to last. With proper care, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups with our Oak Harbor dentist, implants can last a lifetime. This durability makes them a cost-effective solution compared to dentures or dental bridges, which may need frequent replacements or adjustments.

Long-term investment: Implants often outlast other tooth replacement options.
Low maintenance: No special cleaning solutions or adhesives required.
High success rate: Over 95% success rate for properly placed implants.

Missing teeth can make eating and speaking challenging. Dental implants restore full chewing power, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods without restriction. They also improve speech clarity, eliminating the slurring or mumbling that can occur with missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures.

Let’s get started! Contact our dental office near you today at (360) 675-6404 to schedule your dental implant consultation with Dr. Doug Wirth.

Unlike removable dentures, which can cause discomfort or require messy adhesives, dental implants are fixed in place and feel like natural teeth. There’s no need to remove them for cleaning or worry about them slipping during meals or conversations.

Tooth loss can lead to a sunken facial appearance due to jawbone deterioration. Dental implants prevent this by maintaining bone density, preserving your natural facial contours, and preventing premature aging.

Dental implants are highly versatile and can address a range of dental issues, from replacing a single tooth to restoring an entire arch. Options include:

Single-tooth dental implants: Replace one missing tooth without affecting adjacent teeth.
Implant-supported bridges: Restore multiple missing teeth with fewer implants.
Implant-supported dentures: Provide a stable, non-removable alternative to traditional dentures.
All-on-4 dental implants: Replace a full arch of teeth with just four implants.

Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Most adults with missing teeth are candidates for dental implants, provided they have sufficient jawbone density and good overall health. Factors that may affect implant candidacy include:

Bone density: Adequate bone is needed to support the implant. Bone grafting may be an option for those with insufficient bone.
Oral health: Healthy gums and no active periodontal disease are essential.
General health: Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or smoking may impact healing and success rates.

Are you ready to experience the benefits that dental implants offer? Contact our dentist in Oak Harbor by calling (360) 675-6404 today.

Possible Risks and Complications of Dental Implants

As with any surgical procedure, dental implant placement carries a small risk of complications. These may include:

Infection: Bacteria can enter the surgical site, leading to infection if not properly managed. Good oral hygiene and post-operative care minimize this risk.
Nerve damage: Improper placement near nerves can cause numbness, tingling, or pain in the gums, lips, or chin. This is rare and typically avoided with precise imaging and planning.
Sinus issues: For implants in the upper jaw, there’s a slight risk of sinus perforation if the implant protrudes into the sinus cavity.

In rare cases, the implant may fail to integrate with the jawbone or become loose over time. Causes of implant failure include:

Poor osseointegration: If the bone doesn’t fuse properly with the implant, it may not provide a stable foundation.
Peri-implantitis: A form of gum disease that affects the tissues around the implant, potentially leading to bone loss and implant failure.
Overloading: Excessive pressure on the implant during healing can disrupt integration.

Some patients may experience issues related to the bone or surrounding tissues, such as:

Insufficient bone density: If the jawbone is too thin or soft, the implant may not anchor securely. Bone grafting can often resolve this issue.
Gum recession: In some cases, the gums around the implant may recede, exposing the implant post and affecting aesthetics.
Allergic reactions: Though rare, some patients may have a sensitivity to titanium or other materials used in implants.

These can be avoided with the help of an experienced, qualified implant dentist, such as Dr. Wirth. We’re here to ensure successful dental implant treatment and a long-lasting, healthy smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, dental implants don’t get cavities. Since they’re made from titanium, they’re resistant to tooth decay. Just make sure you’re maintaining good oral health so your implants last as long as possible and your natural teeth get the proper care they need.

Smoking can slow healing and increase the risk of implant failure. However, smokers may still be candidates if they commit to quitting or reducing smoking during the healing process.

Leaving a gap can lead to shifting teeth, bite issues, jawbone loss, and a sunken facial appearance. Dental implants prevent these complications

Benefits of Dental Implants in Oak Harbor, WA

Let Our Dental Specialist Near You Help You Achieve Your Dream Smile

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental Implant Benefits Near Greenbank

Enhanced Aesthetics for a Confident Smile

Improved Oral Health and Functionality

Unmatched Durability and Longevity

Restored Chewing and Speaking Abilities

Ultimate Comfort and Convenience

Preservation of Facial Structure

Versatility for Various Dental Needs

Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Possible Risks and Complications of Dental Implants

Surgical Complications

Implant Failure

Bone or Tissue Complications

Frequently Asked Questions

Do dental implants get cavities?

Can smokers get dental implants?

What happens if I don’t replace a missing tooth?

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