Dental implants in North Oklahoma City, OK are made of titanium, shaped like a small cylinder. It is surgically placed in the jawbone or maxilla, depending on each individual case. The bone around the implant adheres naturally through the process of osseointegration; that’s one of the advantages of titanium because it is a biocompatible material and it is why the implant stays firmly seated. At the top of the implant, a dental crown is placed. Its purpose is to give the appearance of a normal tooth, which looks and feels almost like a natural tooth.
The entire process takes 3 to 6 months to complete, depending on the amount of time required for the bone to heal completely. How long do dental implants last anyway? In studies, 95% of the implants last at least 5 years, but most are likely to have a much longer life. With proper oral hygiene and routine dental cleanings, dental implants in North Oklahoma City, OK can last up to more than 20 years. The success rate is around 90% for the maxilla and 95% for the bottom (mandible). The reason why this happens is because the upper jaw bone is less dense than the lower jaw, so osseointegration is a little more complicated.
The most important thing a patient must remember after getting implants is that they must take care of them if they want the treatment to last. It is very important to undergo a comprehensive oral hygiene regimen at home and visit the dentist regularly so they can perform a thorough inspection of the implant, teeth, and gums. This allows the patient to have their implant and teeth professionally cleaned, which helps to prevent any problems.
The implant can be damaged if a person smokes tobacco, so it is important to maximize the life of the dental implant by avoiding the use of tobacco products. With good oral hygiene, regular dental appointments and avoiding tobacco use, a dental implant has every chance of lasting for many years. In short, dental implants have been used successfully for many decades and professionals know that, with careful maintenance, these will last for many years. Contact Monica Neely Dentistry to learn more.
