Can dental implants fail?
Dental implants have an incredibly high success rate of over 98%. However, there is a chance of implant failure. The main causes of failure are peri-implantitis, too much stress on the fixture, poor oral health, tobacco use in any form, not enough bone structure, failed bone graft, or trauma to the surgical area. In most cases, implant failure can be easily avoided if proper care and precautions are taken. Choosing dental implants requires lifelong care and commitment. To help them thrive, you must take care of your overall health, brush and floss your teeth every single day, and follow any other care instructions we give you. Additionally, visiting Rebol Family Dentistry in Asheville, NC every six months for a regular checkup will help your implants thrive.
How many teeth can dental implants replace?
Dental implants can replace any number of missing teeth. This includes a single missing tooth all the way up to replacing both the top and bottom arches of teeth. No matter how many teeth you are missing, your dentist will create a custom treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs.
Why does the dental implant process require surgery?
A dental implant must be inserted into the jaw bone where it will fuse to the bone. First, to access the bone, an incision will need to be made in the gums. Then, your dentist will need to drill a hole in the bone to insert the implant. The only way to accomplish this is through surgery. However, it is typically a simple outpatient procedure.
Do I qualify for dental implants?
Most patients who want dental implants will qualify for them. The perfect dental implant candidate is healthy, practices good oral hygiene habits, and has enough bone to support the implant fixtures. Most dentists will not recommend this tooth replacement solution to patients who smoke or use any other form of tobacco. Tobacco use creates a high risk of implant failure. Patients lacking sufficient bone can undergo a bone graft or sinus lift. We will also recommend addressing any other overall or oral health problems before placing the implants.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are made of titanium and will fuse with your bone. They are meant to last a lifetime. However, you have to take care of your oral health in order for them to last. This will give your implants the best chance at lasting forever. If your implants require special care, we will educate you on how to care for them.
How much do dental implants cost?
Most patients are concerned with the cost of dental implants and are worried if they can afford them. The easy answer to this question is they can cost anywhere from a few thousands of dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. It simply depends on your unique circumstances. Your Asheville, NC implant dentist will examine your entire mouth and overall oral health before creating a treatment plan. Then we will be able to give you estimated cost of your treatment. Many factors will contribute to the cost including:
- Number of missing teeth
- The location of the missing teeth
- The type of implant needed
- The type of restoration you will need