The implant can last 20-25 years with good at-home care and regular checkups, while the artificial tooth can last 10-15 years before needing to be replaced or repaired.
It usually takes 3-4 appointments to receive an implant. Once the post has been installed and your mouth has fully healed, a process that generally takes a few weeks, Dr. Hahn will mount a custom-made crown (replacement tooth) onto the metal post. Because the implants fuse to your jawbone, they provide firm support for artificial teeth and don't shift around the mouth like some removable dentures.
Implants are generally made out of titanium. We use this metal because it fuses naturally with your jawbone for increased strength and stability. Titanium also helps stimulate bone growth to reverse the tissue loss that follows after losing one or more teeth.
Implants require a minor outpatient surgery to insert in your jawbone, which will require a few weeks for your mouth to fully heal. It’s normal to experience pain, swelling, and some bleeding during the first few days after your surgery. Once your mouth has healed and your implant has been restored with your replacement tooth, it will feel as painless and natural as a regular tooth.
If you're missing teeth, you could be a great dental implant candidate. Your jaw must be finished growing, and your gums must be healthy. Dental implants are an excellent solution for adults, not children.