It’s something that will happen with increasing frequency. You have a dental implant that is working great, but then it needs a minor repair. Or maybe a crown doesn’t look as good as it used to. But then you try to look up your implant dentist and he’s retired.

Dental implants can last so long that they outlast the careers of the dentists that placed them. If you choose a well trained and experienced implant dentist, what are the odds that they will still be practicing 10, 20, or 30 years later? Then how do you find a dentist you trust to do your repairs or upgrades?

At Beyond Exceptional Dentistry, we are highly skilled dentists with extensive experience repairing or upgrading old restorations.

Pleasant mature businessman sitting at table with smile

Implant Crowns and Dentures Need Periodic Repairs

Dental implants are very long-lasting. The artificial tooth root is safely surrounded by bone, and if you have a balanced bite it can easily withstand the forces it’s exposed to.

But on top of the dental implant or implants is one or more dental crowns or a denture. These are designed to be highly attractive and functional, but they may not be as durable as the implant root itself. They can get worn down or become chipped or cracked because of the repeated strain. This is especially true of older restorations that are just not made of material that’s as durable as newly developed ones.

And then there are the abutments and other connector pieces that can be vulnerable to wear or breakage. As these wear out, they can make your implant seem loose.

Overall, you can expect to have a minor repair or adjustment every seven or eight years over the life of your implants.

Not All Restorations Age Well

Another issue is that some restorations aren’t designed to look attractive for decades. They can become discolored or scratched, causing them to stand out instead of blending in.

Of course, other times, it’s the opposite. Your dental crowns are resisting stains, but your natural teeth are not. This can also make your dental implants stand out unattractively.

Do You Need an Implant Expansion?

A lot can change in 30 years or more. Sometimes you might have implants and bridges that are working fine, but then you lose one or more natural teeth next to them and you need to have your bridge remade to replace these newly lost teeth. You may also need one or more additional implants.

We’re Good at Upgrades and Repairs

At Beyond Exceptional Dentistry, one of our main areas of interest is upgrading old fillings and crowns to more attractive and durable options. We have a great deal of experience working with old restorations. We know how to safely remove them and how to design replacements.

We also have a great deal of experience in working with dental implants. We know how to get great results with dental implants and how to design dentures that are attractive and functional.

If you are looking for someone you can trust to upgrade or repair your implant crowns or dentures in the Hilton Head area, please call (843) 706-2999 today for an appointment with a cosmetic dentist at Beyond Exceptional Dentistry.