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, we can avoid implant failure if we take proper care and precautions. 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 daily, 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 miss, your dentist will create a customized treatment plan 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, an incision will need to be made in the gums to access the bone. Then, your dentist must 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, 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 also recommend addressing other overall or oral health problems before implant placement.
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 must take care of your oral health for them to last. This will give your implants the best chance of lasting forever. If your implants require special care, we will educate you on how to care for them.
How much do dental implants cost?
The cost of dental implants concerns many patients, who worry if they can afford them. The easy answer to this question is they can cost anywhere from a few thousand to tens of thousands. It simply depends on your unique circumstances. Your Asheville, NC implant dentist will examine your mouth and oral health before creating a treatment plan. Then, we can give you the 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