Dental implants have been around for decades, and they have proven to be an extremely reliable solution for replacing teeth. Many studies show that implants have a success rate of over 95%, and it’s not uncommon for them to last the rest of a patient’s life. Why does the treatment work so well? The following post explores 4 key secrets to dental implant success.
1. Proper Preparations
Your dentist in San Antonio will only recommend dental implants if they’re sure that you’re a good candidate for the procedure. During your initial implant consultation, they’ll examine your mouth carefully for signs of gum disease and other oral health issues that could potentially lead to implant failure. They’ll also evaluate your jaw to confirm that there’s enough bone density to join with and support the posts.
If there are any issues that might interfere with the implant process, your dentist will take steps to thoroughly address them before moving forward with implant surgery. For example, if there’s a lack of bone in your jaw, they might recommend a bone grafting procedure to rebuild the areas where the implant posts need to be placed.
2. State of the Art Technology
The technology used to plan and perform dental implant surgery can be a critical factor in its success. Your dentist will use 3D cone beam imaging to create a detailed digital model of your mouth, jaw, and other oral structures. This helps them determine precisely where each implant needs to go, and it allows them to identify any oral structures that need to be taken into account during the surgery.
3. An Expert’s Touch
Some dentists need to refer their patients to separate specialists to have implants placed. Others have the training and experience necessary to perform the entire procedure in-house. Either way, you can rest assured that the oral health professional responsible for your dental implant surgery is an expert in the procedure, which will help ensure that you get the best long-term results.
4. Easy Maintenance
Taking care of dental implants is very easy. In fact, it’s not much different from caring for your natural teeth. Regular brushing and flossing, avoiding bad habits like nail-biting, and biannual dental checkups and cleanings can all go a long way toward helping you avoid problems with your new smile. And the better care your implants receive, the longer you can expect them to last.
Thanks to the above factors, dental implants can serve as a permanent solution for missing teeth. Are you thinking about using implants to repair your smile? Get in touch with your dentist today to schedule a consultation and learn more about the process.
About the Author
Dr. Zachary Brice received his dental education at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Dental School, and he continues to take advanced courses every year to further enhance his skills. At Brice Dental, he can place dental implants in-house using the latest techniques and technology. To schedule a consultation, visit our website or call (210) 903-5565.