Tooth loss can leave more than just a gap in your smile. It can affect your confidence, compromise your ability to chew comfortably, and even impact the structure of your jaw over time. Thankfully, advances in modern dentistry have provided a lasting solution, and for many, that solution lies in dental implants.
At 701 Dental, Dr. Alexa Carlson and the team are committed to helping patients in Bismarck find long-term, reliable treatments that restore both health and happiness. But just how permanent are dental implants?
What Makes Dental Implants a Long-Term Solution?
Dental implants are widely recognized as one of the most enduring options for tooth replacement. Designed to mimic the structure of a natural tooth, an implant includes a titanium post that’s surgically placed into the jawbone and topped with a custom crown.
Over time, the post fuses with your bone, a process called osseointegration, creating a foundation that’s both strong and stable. Here’s why dental implants are considered a long-term or even permanent solution:
- Durability: With proper care, implants can last 30 years or more, and often for the rest of your life.
- Stability: Unlike dentures, they won’t slip or shift, giving you confidence when talking, smiling, or eating.
- Bone Health: The implant stimulates your jawbone, helping prevent bone loss and preserving facial structure.
Factors That Affect the Longevity of Dental Implants
While dental implants are built to last, several personal and clinical factors can influence their success. Dr. Carlson and her team take a comprehensive approach at 701 Dental, assessing each patient carefully to ensure optimal outcomes. Here’s what can impact how long your implants will serve you:
- Oral hygiene habits: Consistent brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings are essential.
- Gum health: Conditions like periodontitis can compromise the integrity of an implant.
- Lifestyle choices: Smoking and certain health conditions like uncontrolled diabetes can decrease healing and implant survival rates.
- Routine dental checkups: Monitoring your implant and surrounding teeth prevents minor issues from becoming major concerns.
By focusing on prevention and education, our team empowers patients to protect their investment in a healthy, confident smile.
Comparing Dental Implants to Other Tooth Replacement Options
When evaluating long-term tooth loss solutions, it’s important to consider how dental implants differ from other common options like bridges or dentures. While each may serve a role depending on your situation, many patients prefer the benefits dental implants provide:
- Dental bridges may last 7-15 years but require the alteration of healthy adjacent teeth and have more complex at-home care requirements.
- Removable dentures typically last 5-10 years and often need adjustments due to changes in your bone structure.
- Dental implants are self-supporting, preserve adjacent teeth, and offer unmatched stability and comfort.
For many patients, the added confidence and low maintenance of implants make them well worth the investment, especially when provided by a hometown dental team who takes time to tailor care to your unique story.
Supporting Long-Term Success with a Trusted Dental Partner
Getting a dental implant isn’t just a one-day decision, it’s a partnership between you and your dental provider. That’s why 701 Dental focuses on building lifelong relationships with every person who walks through the door. Dr. Alexa Carlson, who proudly calls Bismarck home, brings local insight and compassionate communication to every appointment, whether it’s your first visit or a follow-up years after treatment.
From using high-quality materials to guiding you through every stage of care, our team ensures your experience is informative, supportive, and effective. And should a dental emergency occur, we’re here when you need us most, providing peace of mind and dependable care rooted in trust.
Ready to Explore Dental Implants in Bismarck?
If you’re tired of dentures that slip or missing teeth that dim your smile, dental implants may be your long-term answer to renewed function and confidence. At 701 Dental, our warm, community-centered approach ensures that every treatment is delivered with heart, expertise, and your best interests in mind. Call (701) 255-0586 to schedule a personalized consultation with Dr. Carlson and discover whether dental implants are the right solution for your journey to a healthier, more complete smile.
