Dental implants are permanent replacements for your missing natural teeth. The implant is a post that’s placed in your jaw and allowed to fuse naturally with your bone. Your restoration will be completed with a dental crown so your smile will look and feel completely natural.
When considering dental implants, patients understandably have questions about the procedure. People want to know if dental implants can shift and become crooked or will become discolored over time, two things that can dramatically impact your smile.
If Placed Properly, Dental Implants Should Never Become Crooked
If your dental implant is properly placed by a trained and experienced dentist, it should never become crooked over time. In fact, dental implants are designed in part to prevent the shifting, crooked teeth, and jaw bone loss that can come with missing teeth [1].
Dental implants accurately mimic your tooth’s natural roots and essentially hold the place for that tooth, even encouraging jawbone growth so your face doesn’t take on a sunken appearance. People who are missing natural teeth and neglect to replace them often see a change in their facial structure over time as a result.
Porcelain Crowns Are More Resistant to Staining
Your dental implant will be finished with a dental crown to replicate the look and function of your missing natural tooth. Dental crowns are typically made of porcelain and are highly resistant to staining. During your dental implant placement process, your dentist will have the crown made to accurately match the shape and color of your remaining natural teeth.
However, it’s important to note that dental crowns can still be subject to staining over time, albeit not as much as your natural teeth. You’ll be more at risk for tooth discoloration if you smoke or drink coffee or red wine, which are some of the biggest culprits in tooth staining [2].
If you’re interested in getting your teeth professionally whitened, the best time to do this is before your dental implant procedure so your dentist can have your crown crafted to beautifully match your newly-whitened teeth for a seamless smile!
Dental Implants Are a Worthy Investment for Your Smile
If placed and cared for properly, your dental implants should last you a lifetime [3]. Unlike other tooth replacement options such as dentures and bridges, dental implants should never need to be replaced. Your dental crown will need to be replaced every so often, but your actual implant will be secure enough to provide you with a functional smile for the rest of your life.
With all the benefits of dental implants, it’s no wonder patients are taking advantage of this sturdy form of tooth replacement. If you’re considering dental implants, ask your dentist about their experience with the procedure or ask them to recommend you to an oral surgeon who can evaluate you for dental implants!
Sources:
1. https://www.aaid.com/about/Press_Room/History_and_Background.html
2. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003065.htm
3. https://www.dentalhealth.org/dental-implants
