Dental veneers are a great way to improve the aesthetic appeal of your teeth. Made from porcelain or composite resin, veneers are very thin tooth-colored shells that your cosmetic dentist permanently cements to the front surface of one or more of your teeth. Veneers look like your natural teeth.
Veneers can help you get the teeth you desire. People with chipped teeth, misshapen teeth, or gaps between their teeth often choose veneers. Cosmetic dentists often recommend veneers to give teeth a more uniform and appealing shape.
Dental Veneers Correct a Variety of Cosmetic Dental Problems
You might choose dental veneers if you have:
- Stained teeth that cannot be whitened by bleaching
- Chipped or worn teeth
- Misshapen or crooked teeth
- Uneven spaces between your teeth
- A large gap between your upper front teeth
Types of Dental Veneers
Dental veneers may be made of porcelain or a composite resin material. Each material has its benefits and drawbacks. Your cosmetic dentist can help you decide which is best for you.
Porcelain veneers
Made from a thin shell of porcelain custom-made to fit over one of your teeth. Benefits of porcelain veneers include:
- Strong and long-lasting material
- A natural-looking surface
- Stain resistance
- Less preparation of the tooth compared with a crown or a cap
Steps to placing porcelain veneers
Your cosmetic dentist prepares your tooth or teeth by removing a small amount of enamel from the front and sides of the teeth. This step makes room for the veneers so that they fit well and look natural.
The dentist makes a mold, or impression, of the prepared teeth. Your dentist will also choose the perfect shade of veneer to match the rest of your teeth.
Your dentist then sends the impression to a dental laboratory, which custom-makes the veneers to perfectly match your teeth. Because this step may take several days, your dentist may provide you with temporary veneers to cover the prepared teeth.
When your porcelain dental veneers are ready, your dentist will place the veneers on your teeth to check their fit and shape. After making any adjustments necessary, your dental team will clean your teeth then bond the porcelain veneers to the surface of the treated teeth. Your dentist can make any further changes at a later appointment.
Composite resin veneers
A composite resin veneer involves bonding tooth-colored filling material to your teeth and sculpt the resin into the perfect shape. Benefits of composite resin veneers include:
- Less preparation – your dentist needs to remove less tooth enamel compared with porcelain veneers or crowns
- Few visits to the dentist, as your dentist may be able to place these veneers in just one visit
- Less expensive than porcelain veneers
- Being easier to repair if they get damaged
Steps to placing composite resin veneers:
- After reshaping or preparing your teeth, your dentist applies the composite material using a color that is best for you; your dentist then sculpts the material to the desired shape and size
- Your dentist then shines a special light onto the composite resin to harden the material and bond it to your teeth
- The cosmetic dentist smooths and polishes the veneer to make it look like a natural tooth
Dental Bridges in Stuart Florida
At Stuart Prosthetic Dentistry, Dr. Olin Tyler is both a Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) and is also a Certified Prosthodontist. He personally creates many of the prosthetic teeth he places. Dr. Tyler has years of experience in creating prosthetic teeth using the most innovative digital advancements in prosthodontics. To schedule a consultation call 772.286.1606 or request an appointment online.
When TMJ disorder (TMD) is left untreated, it can have far-reaching consequences throughout the body. Although TMD begins in the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), when these joints become dysfunctional, it typically results in chronic pain that affects your quality of life. A personalized treatment plan is critical for TMD because the only way to achieve lasting relief is to understand and address the root cause of the disorder. When TMJ disorder isn’t treated, it can lead to the following issues:
Chronic Jaw Pain and Joint Damage
When you first notice TMJ disorder symptoms, they are likely to be minor annoyances brought on by stress, eating tough or chewy foods, or opening your mouth too wide. While your jaw joints cause you pain, it’s not unbearable, and your symptoms come and go.
The temporomandibular joints may deteriorate as TMD progresses, resulting in chronic pain and other bothersome joint symptoms such as jaw popping, cracking, and locking. As a result of this jaw joint dysfunction, you may suffer tenderness and pain in your face, neck, and shoulders.
Eventually, TMJ surgery may be necessary if the bones in your temporomandibular joints have degenerated to the point where they no longer function properly. You can avoid surgery if you take a proactive approach to TMD treatment, rather than waiting for the pain to become debilitating.
Compromised Oral Health
Teeth grinding and jaw clenching, also known as bruxism, are among the most common causes of TMD. These habits can wear down your tooth enamel over time, making your teeth prone to fractures and leading to gum recession. TMJ disorder can cause asymmetrical muscle growth and abnormal tooth wear, which can change your facial appearance and lead to additional dental problems.
Headaches
Tension headaches and migraines are frequently caused by TMJ disorder. Aside from jaw pain, headaches are one of the most common symptoms of TMD. Chronic joint dysfunction and inflammation can cause headaches that are so severe that they interfere with your ability to go about your normal daily activities. A doctor may prescribe a medication to treat your migraines, but once the drug wears off, your headaches will return since the underlying joint dysfunction that is causing them has not been addressed.
Ear and Hearing Issues
Because the temporomandibular joints are close to the ear canals, TMD symptoms frequently manifest in the ears. Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) can make it difficult for you to sleep and focus, and feelings of fullness or pain in the ears are also symptoms of TMJ dysfunction. Because the inner ears are linked to our sense of balance, dizziness, vertigo, and unsteadiness can result when the muscles around the TMJ become inflamed.
Learn More About TMJ Disorder
Do you have TMJ pain? Or have you been diagnosed with TMJ disorder, but you have yet to find a treatment that works? Prosthodontists are specialists in diagnosing and treating TMJ pain. Contact us today at 772.286.1606 to learn more or schedule a consultation at Stuart Prosthetic Dentistry.
If you need dentures, you likely have a lot of questions about which type of denture is right for you and how much dentures cost. Unfortunately, this isn’t an easy question to answer online, so the best way to understand the right denture option for your needs and how much you can expect to pay for it is to schedule an in-person consultation. Below, we explain some of the different types of dentures and provide price ranges for each.
What Do Dentures Cost in Stuart, FL?
At Stuart Prosthetic Dentistry, we offer a wide range of denture options. Prosthodontists are experts in creating dentures that look, function, and feel like natural teeth, so no matter which type of denture you choose, we’re certain you’ll be pleased with it.
Complete Conventional Dentures
Cost: $ 2750 per arch
Conventional dentures are the most common type of denture, and likely what you envision when you think about what dentures look like. A complete conventional denture involves extracting all of the teeth on one or both arches. After 8 to 12 weeks of healing time, you will be fitted for your dentures and they will be fabricated for you.
Complete Immediate Dentures
Cost: $ 3000-$4000 per arch
Immediate dentures are prefabricated prior to you having your teeth extracted. If you don’t currently have dentures to wear while your new dentures are being fabricated, or if you would feel self-conscious without teeth during the healing time after extraction, an immediate denture is a solution to consider. It can be worn the same day your teeth are extracted because it has a soft reline material called tissue conditioner that adapts to your jaw as it heals. Once healing is complete, a more permanent hard reline will be performed.
Complete Over-Dentures
Cost: $ 6000 – $8350
Over-dentures can be worn over existing healthy teeth or dental implants for improved stability and retention. A denture attachment apparatus is often used for this type of denture.
Partial Dentures
Cost: $2750 – $ 3000
There are many types of partial dentures, but what they all have in common is that they replace only some missing teeth on an arch, rather than replacing all of them. A partial denture is different from a fixed dental bridge because it is meant to be removed every night and then put back in in the morning.
Implant-Supported Fixed Complete Prostheses
Cost: $7000-9000 – $
Dental implants offer patients a stable restoration for missing teeth that prevents and even reverses bone loss in the jaw. A fixed complete prosthesis is essentially a denture that is permanently affixed to dental implants. Unlike a traditional denture, you will not remove your prosthesis; only a dentist can do this.
Implant-Retained Dentures
Cost: $ 19000 – $ 30000
Another option for patients who want a restoration that is supported by dental implants is an implant-retained denture. This type of denture is often known as a snap-on or snap-in denture because they snap onto attachments on your dental implants. You’ll remove them each night for cleaning and to give your gums a rest, then put them back in when you wake up in the morning. Many patients appreciate that implant-retained dentures feel more stable and secure than a traditional denture.
Paying for Dentures
We want to help you overcome any barriers that prevent you from getting the dental treatments you need. We’re happy to file insurance claims on your behalf and help you understand your benefits and out-of-pocket expenses. We also offer financing through CareCredit, which allows you to break up the cost of your dentures into affordable monthly payments.
Learn More About Dentures
If you’d like to learn more about the cost of dentures and the options we offer at Stuart Prosthetic Dentistry, contact us today at 772.286.1606 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Tyler.
Denture sores should be a rare occurrence if you wear dentures. They’re most common in the first few weeks of wearing a new denture as you adjust to it, but they may also be a sign that your jawbone has changed shape over the years and your denture needs to be relined. If you have denture sores that are large and painful, that you suspect may be infected, or that haven’t healed after two weeks, it’s cause for concern. Otherwise, try these tips for how to get rid of denture sores.
Relieve the Pain
Although this isn’t a tip for getting rid of denture sores, relieving the inflammation and pain you’re experiencing is important because it’s difficult to sleep and eat properly when your mouth is painful. Over-the-counter pain relievers work well for this, as does numbing gel, which can be applied directly to any sore spots.
Salt Water Rinse
Warm salt water rinses are commonly recommended for a variety of mouth sores and oral health issues, and they work for denture sores too. A rinse with warm salt water will ease your discomfort and promote healing. Simply combine 1/4 cup (2 ounces) of warm water and 1/4 teaspoon of salt; stir until the salt is dissolved, then swish in your mouth for 30 seconds and spit. This can be used up to four times a day until your sores heal.
Giving Your Mouth a Break
Make sure you take your dentures out every night before bed to give your mouth a chance to rest—and your sores a chance to heal. While you need to keep your dentures in long enough each day for your mouth to get used to them (and for them to prevent other teeth from shifting if you have a partial denture), it’s also necessary to let your gums have a break from the pressure of supporting dentures every night.
Good Oral Hygiene
When you have denture sores, good oral hygiene is critical for preventing infection. This means brushing your dentures as instructed and soaking them in a denture cleaner to kill bacteria. While it’s true that dentures cannot get cavities like your natural teeth, they can collect plaque and harbor bacteria, which can cause other oral health issues. You’ll also need to clean your gums with a wet washcloth. These steps may not prevent denture sores from forming, but they can keep them from getting worse.
Consult With Your Dentist
If denture sores are an ongoing problem, you should call our office and schedule an appointment with Dr. Tyler. As a prosthodontist, Dr. Tyler is an expert in making sure dentures are both comfortable and functional. If you’ve had your denture for a while, it could be time to get it relined so it fits more securely and doesn’t cause irritation or abrasion on the soft tissues of the mouth. In other cases, your denture may need to be refitted.
Learn More About Relieving Denture Sores
If you’re concerned about denture sores and you’d like to make an appointment to see Dr. Tyler, contact us today at 772.286.1606 .
If you’re the type who does a lot of research before a medical or dental procedure, you’ve probably landed upon some concerning stories about the risks of dental implants. Dr. Tyler is a strong advocate of patient education, which means he’s open and honest about the fact that getting dental implants involves a surgical procedure and, as with any surgery, there are risks and complications that you need to be aware of. The good news is that by choosing an experienced dental implant specialist like Dr. Tyler, you’ll minimize any potential risks.
Dental Implant Safety
Dental implants are so safe that they’ve become the preferred replacement for missing teeth. Although they may seem like a new development, titanium implant posts have been around for more than half a century and they have a success rate of 95 to 98 percent after 10 years.
Some of the common complications you’ll see mentioned on the internet regarding dental implants are headaches, jaw pain, and chronic low-level infection. There has been a lot of research done on these subjects over the years, and no studies have shown that implants cause chronic health concerns.
In fact, dental implants are recommended by dentists because they prevent the chronic health problems associated with tooth loss. Dental implants preserve jaw bone density, which is essential for your oral health, as well as your overall health. Your bite becomes weaker as the jaw begins to break down, making it harder to eat the well-balanced diet your body needs to perform at its best.
Risks of Dental Implants
The following are some of the most common dental implant risks:
Surgical Complications
Nerve injury, bleeding, infection, and damage to surrounding tissues are all risks associated with any surgery, including dental implants. If you opt to receive dental sedation during your procedure, you should be aware that there are some risks involved in this as well. While some complications are unavoidable, their likelihood goes down when you get dental implants from a skilled specialist.
Dental Implant Failure
The majority of implant failures are caused by either a patient who does not follow aftercare instructions or a dentist who has insufficient training, expertise, or has not properly screened their patients. As an example of this, some patients travel outside of the country to receive dental implants at a lower cost, but the procedure may not be completed to the same standard as it would be in the United States.
Your dental implants might fail because:
- After your dental implant surgery, you start smoking again.
- You have an underlying health condition, such as diabetes, that makes it harder for you to heal after surgery or puts you at increased risk of infection.
- You develop gum disease.
- You don’t get regular preventive dental care.
- You don’t have the necessary jawbone support for dental implants.
- You take medications that make it difficult for your body to absorb calcium.
- You had chemotherapy or radiation treatments after dental implant surgery.
Dental implants are safe when the procedure is performed by a skilled dental implant specialist. While many dentists offer dental implants these days, it’s important to find a specialist who performs the procedure often and has dealt with a wide range of cases.
Learn More About Dental Implants
If you’re interested in learning more about dental implants or have questions about their safety, contact us today at 772.286.1606 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Tyler.
As a prosthodontist, Dr. Tyler specializes in providing high quality dental implants that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. We see many patients who are aware of the benefits of dental implants, but one thing holds them back: not knowing the cost. Below, we answer some of the most common questions patients have about paying for dental implants and the costs involved.
What do dental implants cost in Stuart, FL?
It’s common that people who are inquiring about the cost of dental implants are referring to both the implant fixture and the restoration that is attached to it. Technically, only the fixture that is surgically implanted into the jaw is a dental implant. As a result, there can sometimes be confusion about pricing.
A single dental implant fixture costs about $1100-$1500. in Stuart, FL. Then, you’ll have to add to this the cost of the restoration, which is the replacement for the visible portion of your missing teeth. The cost of an implant-supported restoration is determined by the number of teeth being replaced and the type of restoration chosen.
You’ll also need to budget for any supplemental surgeries or treatments you’ll need before getting dental implants. These might include tooth extractions, a sinus lift, or bone grafting to reconstruct your jaw if you’ve lost bone density. If you have active gum disease, this will need to be treated prior to implant surgery.
With so many variables to consider, scheduling a consultation with Dr. Tyler is the best way to understand the cost of dental implants for your situation.
Why are dental implants so expensive?
It’s undeniable that there is a significant difference between the cost of implant-supported restorations and the cost of traditional bridges and dentures. This price difference is due to the fact that traditional dental restorations only restore the visible portion of a missing tooth (also known as the crown), whereas implant-supported restorations also replace the root.
Because the root is being replaced, you’ll have to budget for the surgery to place the implant, the biocompatible implant fixture, the restorations that go with the implants, as well as additional appointments at our office, treatment planning time, and diagnostic imaging. Despite the additional cost, dental implants are worth the cost because they last a lifetime, restore self-confidence, and prevent bone loss, which better preserves your oral health.
Does insurance pay for dental implants?
Dental insurance varies from one plan to the next, but the good news is that it’s becoming more common for insurers to cover at least part of the cost of dental implants. We suggest contacting your insurance company to verify your coverage. In some cases, like after an accident or radiation therapy, dental implants may be covered by your health insurance plan.
Are dental implants worth it?
Yes, dental implants are well-worth the investment. In terms of appearance, feel, and function, there is no other solution that comes so close to your natural teeth. Dental implants prevent and reverse jawbone loss, and because they do not require the support of adjacent teeth like traditional bridges, they are the best option for your oral health. Patients who switch from dentures to dental implants find that they are more comfortable and stable compared to dentures.
Learn More About Dental Implants
If you have questions about the cost of dental implants in Stuart, contact us today at 772.286.1606 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Tyler.
The phrase “dental implant” refers to the fixture that is surgically implanted in the jaw to replace the root of your missing tooth. These fixtures can be used to support a variety of restorations, from crowns replacing a single tooth to full dentures. Dr. Tyler is among the leading dental implant providers in Stuart, FL, and as a prosthodontist, he is committed to providing patients with exceptionally-crafted implant-supported restorations.
We offer the following types of dental implant restorations at Stuart Prosthetic Dentistry:
Implant-Supported Crowns
Implant-supported crowns, or single-tooth dental implants, are the closest match for your natural tooth, with the root replaced by an implant fixture and the tooth above the gum line replaced with a dental crown. When only one tooth needs to be replaced with a dental implant or when multiple teeth need to be replaced but they’re not adjacent to each other, an implant-supported crown is used.
Implant-Supported Bridges
An implant-supported bridge is a more cost-effective approach than replacing each individual tooth with its own dental implant and crown if you have three or more adjacent teeth that need to be replaced. This restoration typically uses two dental implant fixtures to replace the two outermost missing teeth; these fixtures are used to support a porcelain bridge, or prosthetic teeth.
Implant-supported bridges are a better option than traditional dental bridges because they minimize bone loss in the jaw and provide more strength and stability. Furthermore, unlike traditional bridges, implant-supported bridges do not require the support of adjacent teeth, which means they do not put stress on the abutment teeth and leave them at risk of damage.
Implant-Retained Dentures
Instead of being held in place with adhesives, implant-retained dentures are supported by dental implants. Because these dentures can be taken out and put back in by the patient, they’re often called snap-in dentures. Implant-retained dentures feel more natural than traditional dentures because they offer much more stability—you can eat your favorite foods and speak without any impediment. Since these dentures are held securely in place with dental implants, they never slip or rub against the gum tissue, causing painful sores. Implant-retained dentures can be complete or partial and they give you a more youthful appearance by preventing and reversing jawbone loss.
Implant-Supported Fixed Complete Prostheses
This is an option to explore if you need to replace all of the teeth on the upper or lower arch (or both). Four or more implant fixtures support a complete arch of fixed replacement teeth. An implant-supported fixed complete prosthesis is an option for many individuals who are not candidates for traditional implant-supported dentures, and it can be done in a single day. Unlike implant-retained dentures, this type of prosthesis is fixed, which means it can only be removed by a dentist.
Learn More About the Types of Dental Implants
Wondering which of these dental implant options is best for you? The best way to find out is to come in for an appointment. Contact us today at 772.286.1606 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Tyler.
You know what an orthodontist does and you’ve probably heard of periodontists and endodontists, but what does a prosthodontist do? Prosthodontics is one of the nine dental specialties accredited by the American Dental Association, but many patients aren’t familiar with what they do until they need one. Like a general dentist, a prosthodontist graduates from dental school, but then they go on to receive three or more years of additional training and education. What does this extra training mean for you as a patient? Here’s what you should know.
Prosthodontists Are Experts at Replacing Missing Teeth
Prosthodontics began as a specialty that focused on dental prosthetics. While general dentists can provide dentures, bridges, and dental implants, prosthodontists have advanced training that gives them unique insight into the dynamics at play in a patient’s smile and bite. Prosthetics are carefully designed to restore function and appearance, with each patient’s facial features in mind. Rather than creating cookie-cutter smiles, prosthodontists take a personalized approach for restorations that look balanced and harmonious.
Prosthodontists Restore Oral Function, Health, and Appearance
In addition to their work in dental prosthetics, prosthodontists have advanced training in restorative dentistry, making them an excellent choice whenever you need a crown, inlay, or onlay. Their restorative work goes beyond teeth, though—prosthodontists often do work to restore the jaw and facial structures after injury or illness.
Because prosthodontists know the elements of a beautiful smile, they’re also the best choice when it comes to cosmetic dentistry like dental veneers and bonding. Even if your teeth are otherwise healthy, your prosthodontist can provide you with a dramatic smile makeover that looks natural and lasts for years to come.
Prosthodontists Provide Holistic Treatment for Complex Cases
Many patients seek care from a prosthodontist because they have complicated dental issues that require a comprehensive treatment plan. Because prosthodontists are trained in aesthetic dentistry, dental implants, crowns, bridges, dentures, and treating jaw issues like temporomandibular joint disorder, they can provide holistic treatment that addresses all of a patient’s oral health issues. Prosthodontists often lead a team of treatment providers representing other dental specialties like oral surgery and orthodontics, creating a comprehensive plan and working to coordinate care.
Prosthodontists Are Your Go-To for Good Oral Health
You don’t have to only see your prosthodontist when you need restorative or cosmetic dentistry—prosthodontists also provide general dentistry and preventive care. By making your prosthodontist your primary dental care provider, you can be assured that your teeth will be healthy, strong, and beautiful, whether they’re natural, prosthetic, or a combination of the two.
Prosthodontics: Where Science and Artistry Meet
What do all of these services have in common? They require expertise and knowledge, along with an eye for detail and an understanding of aesthetics. This is why prosthodontics is the dental specialty where science and artistry meet. Prosthodontists use state-of-the-art technologies and research-backed techniques to provide care for their patients, but they also have a keen understanding of how to create a smile that looks both beautiful and natural.
Learn More About What a Prosthodontist Can Do For You
If you’d like to learn more about our services, contact us today at 772.286.16066 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Tyler.
Prosthodontists have advanced training in the restoration and replacement of teeth, which means we’re experts when it comes to restorative dentistry. We use state-of-the-art techniques and materials to restore function and esthetics to teeth that are compromised. If you need restorative dentistry, here’s what you should know before your appointment.
The Goals of Restorative Dentistry
While prosthodontists are perhaps the best known specialists when it comes to restorative dentistry, general dentists, endodontists, and periodontists all perform procedures that rehabilitate teeth and gums that have been damaged by decay, disease, and injury. The goals of restorative dentistry are to restore:
- Function – This is the most important facet of restorative dentistry. We want to ensure that any restoration perfectly replicates the function of a natural tooth. This means that when you bite and chew, your teeth meet together properly; the restoration feels comfortable and stable, allowing you to eat and speak just as you did before your procedure.
- Strength – Dental restorations are also used to strengthen teeth that have been weakened by cavities or trauma. A high-quality restoration has the durability to last years or even decades to come.
- Appearance – In the past, restoring appearance to a compromised tooth wasn’t a concern; amalgam fillings and metal crowns were commonplace. These days, advanced materials mean we can create restorations that blend in naturally with the rest of your smile. Prosthodontists have the training and skill to create realistic restorations.
Restorative Dental Treatments
There are a number of different dental procedures that fall under the umbrella of restorative dentistry. These include:
- Dental Fillings – Dental fillings are the most common restorative dental treatment. When a tooth has a cavity, the decayed area is removed, then a tooth-colored composite material is used to fill in and reshape the tooth, restoring its natural appearance and function.
- Dental Crowns – We use dental crowns for many purposes. They can attach to a dental implant to replace a missing tooth, support a dental bridge, or they can be used to restore teeth that have large cavities, abnormal wear, breakage, or need to be sealed and protected after root canal therapy. Crowns are sometimes known as caps because they are placed over the affected tooth to restore shape, size, and appearance.
- Inlays and Onlays – Inlays and onlays are also referred to as partial crowns. They’re often used to restore teeth that have more decay than can be repaired with a dental filling, but not enough to merit a dental crown.
- Dental Bridges – There are a few options for dental bridges, but what they all have in common is that they use supports, or abutments, to anchor in place one or more prosthetic teeth.
- Dental Implants – Dental implants address the effects of tooth loss both above and below the gum line. This makes them as close as it gets to a natural tooth.
- Dentures – Dentures are used to replace missing teeth. They can be full or partial; fixed or removable. Prosthodontists have the ability to create dentures that are esthetically pleasing, comfortable, and stable.
Learn More About Restorative Dentistry at Stuart Prosthetic Dentistry
If you need any of the restorative services discussed above, we’d love to welcome you to our practice for a consultation. Contact us today at 772.286.1606 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Tyler.
Dental implants are an investment in your oral health. As with any investment, patients considering dental implants tend to do a lot of research to ensure that they’re worth the cost. Most want to know how long dental implants last before they make the decision to schedule surgery, but the answer to this question is complicated.
What Is a Dental Implant?
First, it’s important to clarify what we mean by dental implants. The term is often used as a catch-all for any implant-supported restoration, but technically speaking, a dental implant is only the implant screw or post that is surgically placed in the jaw to replace the root of your missing tooth. The piece that replaces the visible portion of your missing tooth or teeth is a prosthesis or restoration—it could be a crown, bridge, or denture. Most implant-based restorations also have an abutment, which is a piece that connects the dental implant to the restoration.
The Lifespan of Dental Implants
When you search online for the answer to how long dental implants last, you’ll find websites saying that they last forever, for a lifetime, or for several decades. These answers are all correct, but it’s important to understand that it’s the dental implant that lasts a lifetime, not necessarily the restoration. We pride ourselves on our transparency with our patients, which is why it’s important to us that you have a realistic understanding of how long dental implants last.
Patients who follow aftercare instructions, have good oral hygiene practices, and follow up with their dentist regularly have success rates of 90 to 95 percent with dental implants. Once osseointegration occurs (the process in which the jawbone and your dental implants fuse together), it’s very likely that your dental implants will last the rest of your life and you will never need to have them replaced.
The Lifespan of Implant-Supported Prostheses
While you might expect that an implant-supported prosthesis would last as long as any other dental prosthesis, the stability of dental implants means that it’s common for them to last longer. Still, you can expect that they will need to be replaced at some point, with crowns commonly lasting a decade or more and implant-retained dentures lasting between five to 10 years.
Factors that impact the lifespan of an implant-supported restoration include the material used to make it, its location in your mouth, your oral hygiene practices, and oral habits like jaw clenching or teeth grinding. A prosthesis that receives a lot of wear will need to be replaced sooner.
Avoiding Dental Implant Failure
Dental implant failure is rare after osseointegration, but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen. Good oral hygiene and dental implant maintenance are key to preventing this from occurring.
The most common cause of dental implant failure after osseointegration is a condition called peri-implantitis, which is characterized by inflammation around the implant that damages the soft tissue and supporting bone. Diligent brushing and flossing, as well as regular professional dental cleanings, will help keep the bacteria that causes this infection under control. Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption can also increase the likelihood of dental implant failure, as can bad oral habits like chewing on ice or using your teeth to remove tags or tear open packaging.
Schedule an Appointment at Stuart Prosthetic Dentistry
By choosing a skilled prosthodontist, you can maximize the lifespan of your dental implants. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Tyler, contact us today at 772.286.1606.