With proper care and maintenance – including regular brushing and flossing - dental implants can last for decades, depending on individual oral hygiene habits and overall health condition. Studies have shown that 95% of successful dental implants last ten years or more without failing! With regular checkups at least twice each year, however, most people should expect their dental implants will remain functional far longer than that timeframe assuming good oral hygiene practices are followed.
There are many advantages to getting dental implants, including increased confidence when smiling due to implanted teeth looking more natural than traditional dentures or bridges. Patients enjoy greater stability compared to other prosthetic alternatives and improved ability to chew food. Dental implants also have a longer lifetime than other treatments due to their durability.
Getting an implant typically takes multiple visits over several months. The total time frame depends on how many teeth need to be replaced, whether additional procedures like bone grafting are required first, and how quickly a patient heals between appointments. In general, each stage of the process (implant placement, abutment installation, and crown attachment) usually takes two visits spread out over several weeks or months to allow for proper healing and integration of the implant into bone tissue before loading it with artificial teeth.
Dental implants are typically made from titanium, a metal alloy that is safe to use in the human body and non-toxic. Other materials, such as zirconia, can also be used for the implant, which can be better suited for certain patients with allergies or sensitivities to metals. The material chosen depends on individual needs and preferences.
Generally speaking, getting dental implants does not cause any pain, as the procedure is performed with local anesthesia and sedation. While there may be some minor discomfort after the procedure, any minor soreness should be manageable with over-the-counter medications or home remedies. The implant has no pain or sensitivity as it is made from a biocompatible material.