When you choose a dental implant to replace a missing tooth, you make an investment in your oral health that has lifelong benefits—providing you care for it correctly!
Dental implants in Kirkland, WA are a full tooth replacement and are as close as modern dentistry can get to a real tooth. In almost every way, implants look, feel and function like a natural tooth. Of course, it’s not a real tooth, so there are steps you can take to maintain it correctly to ensure that it gives you many years of use.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
The medical-grade titanium used for a dental implant post is the same material that orthopedic surgeons have used for decades in hip and knee joint replacements. As a biocompatible material, your body readily accepts the implant.
The tooth implant heals over several months, and as it does, it integrates with bone and tissue in your jaw. Eventually, it functions in the same way your natural tooth root did.
If you keep your teeth and gums healthy, your dental implant could last a lifetime.
Proper Care for Your Dental Implant
The success of dental implants depends on how well you maintain your oral health. You may not even be aware that it’s happening, but gum disease can develop quickly and cause bone loss in your jaw. Losing bone threatens the stability of your implant, and without treatment, your dentist may need to remove it.
Your oral hygiene routine must include brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing once to remove plaque that collects on your teeth and can lead to periodontal disease. Talk to your dental hygienist to get tips on cleaning your implant to protect it.
Schedule dental exams and cleanings every six months or as directed by your dentist in Kirkland, WA, so they can look for signs of gum disease and create a treatment plan to eliminate it.
Learn More about Dental Implants in Woodinville, WA
If you’re interested in getting a dental implant or already have one and need some guidance in caring for it, please call Woodin Creek Dental to schedule an appointment. Dr. Evan Chiang and Dr. Yogesh Goel would be happy to meet with you to answer your questions.
