Dental implants have a design as a permanent tooth replacement option. As long as the procedure is performed correctly and the implant is properly cared for, it isn’t uncommon for the crown to last for twenty years or more. Even then, the post anchored in your jaw is usually doesn’t require replacement. By comparison, a dental bridge requires replacement about every ten years, making it a far less permanent solution. But can dental implants be replaced?

If you want to get dental implants in LA, LA Wilshire Perio is here for you. 

What Exactly Is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a method of tooth replacement that fully mimics the function and form of your tooth. Unlike other tooth replacement options, we drill the dental implant directly into your jawbone. This gives the implant unmatched stability and prevents bone loss. It can be a lengthy procedure, as it requires several steps and a substantial recovery period. Fortunately, as long as you have good health healthy and don’t require a bone graft, the whole thing can reach completin in just a few months. 

Once the procedure is complete, your dental implant will be indiscernible from a natural, healthy tooth. You will be able to talk, chew, and smile normally. You won’t have to worry about the implant coming loose, and you won’t have to avoid letting people see your teeth anymore. In regard to replacing your lost tooth in every way that matters, there’s no better choice than a dental implant. 

How to Maintain a Dental Implant  

Luckily, dental implants are relatively easy to maintain as long as you follow a regular dental hygiene routine. You’ll want to brush at least twice a day and floss daily to ensure that your natural teeth and dental implant are kept in pristine condition. To this end, you should also opt for a soft-bristle brush and a non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid exposing the crown of your dental implant to additional wear and tear. 

In addition to caring for your dental implant daily, it is also important to maintain your semi-annual visits to your dentist at your Los Angeles periodontist. Most patients only need to schedule these appointments for once every six months or so, but if your teeth appear to be more sensitive to decay, then you may want to see your dentist more frequently. These semi-annual visits are the perfect chance for your dentist to check-up on your dental implant to ensure that everything is working as intended. 

Can Dental Implants Be Replaced?

You should only need to replace your dental implant if it ends up damaged, loose, or infected. In many cases, only the crown shows signs of wear, allowing for an easy replacement of the prosthetic tooth. However, if the post has become loose or infected, the replacement procedure will be more involved. Either way, your dentist will likely want to follow-up a physical examination with imaging to evaluate the full extent of the damage. 

First your dentist will ascertain which parts of the dental implant show signs of deterioration. Then they can discuss treatment options with you. Maybe the post itself has failed. Then a bone graft may prove required. Only this treatment can give your jawbone the density to sustain the implant for a prolonged period. But a bone graft can take several months to heal. So, you will want to make sure you fully understand the process before moving forward. 

The Longevity of Your Dental Implant

The crown of your dental implant may need repairing and replacement every few decades throughout your life. But, complete dental implant failures prove comparatively rare. As long as you follow your dentist’s care instructions and maintain your semi-annual visits, there should be no serious complications.