Though they have a proven track record of durability and longevity, in the grand scheme of things, today’s dental implants haven’t been around all that long. As a result, many patients still have a lot of questions about them. Thankfully, there are a lot of answers out there, too. Here are some common FAQs to help you decide if this treatment is right for you!
Can Dental Implants Get Cavities?
Cavities in your real teeth are a painful reminder that you haven’t been doing a good enough job brushing and flossing, so it’s no surprise that you’d want to avoid them in your new dental implants. The good news is that no, they cannot get cavities like real teeth, however if you have any remaining natural teeth those can still get cavities, and neglecting to properly care for your dental implants by brushing and flossing could cause implant failure.
Can I Take Out My Dental Implants Myself?
While there are some forms of implant dentures that can be removed by the patient for cleaning, you cannot remove the implant posts themselves on your own. This would need to be done by a dentist or surgeon if medically necessary. Otherwise, your implant posts will permanently fuse with your jawbone, and with proper care and maintenance should last a lifetime. Should you need to replace the implant’s crown or abutment, a dentist will need to do this as well, but this type of procedure is much less invasive than removing the entire post.
How Can Dental Implants Save My Real Teeth?
Did you know that in addition to replacing missing teeth, dental implants have the power to protect any remaining natural ones, too? That’s because they stimulate the jawbone much like the roots of a real tooth do and help protect your whole mouth from deterioration-related loss, thereby protecting your smile, no matter if it’s “real” or not.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
If you’ve had other types of tooth restorations before (such as dentures or bridges) you are likely to be familiar with having to replace them after about ten years. The great news is that with dental implants, this isn’t usually an issue, because they can often last a lifetime! Imagine not having to deal with reline appointments or the hassle of being fitted for a new pair of dentures repeatedly. With dental implants, once they’re installed, if you take proper care of them, you could be set for life!
Remember, though dental implants have been around for centuries in some form, today’s prosthetics are more safe, comfortable, durable and lifelike than ever. Don’t let misinformation or confusion prevent you from this life-changing treatment. Speak to your dentist today about whether dental implants are right for you, and you could soon have a beautiful smile for life!
About Our Practice
At EMA Dental of Westfield, we offer a variety of smile-saving treatments in one convenient location. We’ve even been voted the Best Dental Practice in East Longmeadow in 2020, and Best Dental Practice in the Valley in 2020, 2022, and 2024 by the Valley Advocates Readers Poll! If you’re ready to take control of your oral health and restore your smile with the help of dental implants, contact us today for a consultation, and see why your neighbors love us!
To book, please visit our website or call our friendly office team at 413-731-8800.