Dental implants are an increasingly popular solution to broken, decayed, or missing teeth, favored for their natural look and durability. Implants often last for years, over a decade even, but that’s not always the case. In this blog post, we’ll explore whether or not an existing implant can be restored.
What Is an Implant?
An implant is a metal post that is attached to the jaw bone, much like a screw, fusing into place and serving as a replacement tooth root. A replacement tooth is then attached to the implant. It usually looks like just a natural tooth, blending into the smile seamlessly. People choose implants out of their options because they last, they look great, and they are comfortable. Implants look and feel natural, but they don’t affect the ability to speak or eat.
Why Might an Implant Fail?
An implant may not be a real tooth, but as a permanent part of your mouth, it needs the same care the natural teeth require. Without that care, an implant won’t last as long as you want it to, failing, and resulting in further dental work. Some other factors can cause a dental implant to fail, especially overall health and wellbeing–patients with cancer and diabetes, for example, are more likely to see their implant fail.
Restoring an Implant
There is no one solution to a faulty implant. If an implant fails, the course of action will depend completely on the situation at hand. Your dentist will take a look and determine the right way to go about saving the implant. In some case, surgery, such as a bone graft, may be required. If the implant itself breaks, and the bone around it is not damaged, it will simply need to be replaced.
Visit Us At Dental Solutions of Columbus
Implants are a fantastic option, but they aren’t perfect. That’s why it’s important that you see us regularly so that we can examine your implant and make sure it’s healthy and stable. Don’t have an exam scheduled? Give us a call to make your biannual appointment today.
Please contact our office to ask our team any questions or to schedule your next appointment.