How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Smile On Us • June 15, 2020

Are dental implants permanent? How long do dental implants last? Is getting dental implants worth it? Read on to find out the truth here.

You might be wondering, "How long do dental implants last?" On average, they can last about 25 years or longer.

Dental implants are a tooth replacement, so they're essentially false teeth. However, they have the look and feel of real teeth, and many people cannot tell the difference. They are crafted and created to blend in with your surrounding teeth.

This procedure is not a one-stop to visit your dentist but may take months to complete. This procedure is classified as dental surgery.

There are many benefits of an implant. For one, they preserve your dental structure. When you lose a tooth or multiple teeth, this puts stress on the jawbone which causes it to weaken but implants help keep your jawbone strong, which in turn will allow all your teeth to stay healthy as well.

Not only do they improve the health of your teeth and jawbone, but cosmetically speaking, they boost your confidence so you can enjoy your life without feeling self-conscious.

Alternatives

For dental implants to be successful your jawbone must be in good condition and you should be free from any serious health conditions. Your dentist will discuss whether or not you're a good candidate during a consultation.

In some cases, it's more favorable to take another route to achieve a healthy smile. Other options may include:

Dentures
Bridges
Mini-implants
Dental crowns

Even if you don't qualify, there are many other viable ways to restore your smile for functionality and appearance.

Advantages

Dental implants are attractive for many reasons besides their longevity. Here are some advantages.

Because they look and work like your real teeth, there's no extra care involved. You can brush, floss, eat, and drink normally. They're comfortable and not at all cumbersome.

The structure of your jawbone will stay healthy and encourage bone growth. This leads to an overall healthier mouth and sustaining facial shape because the rest of the teeth are supported as well.

They have an astounding success rate of over 90% and they are permanent. There are no dental visits for removal or fittings, and they work seamlessly into your life.

Your confidence can take a nosedive when teeth are missing. This may lead to social anxiety and or even impact you professionally. Personal confidence and improved self-esteem in appearance happen when you work to improve your smile.

Anatomy

Dental implants are composed of three parts: the implant, the abutment, and the crown. Let's take a look at each part so you know what to expect.

First, there's the implant itself. The implant is made of titanium and resembles a screw. The implant is embedded into the jaw, where the missing-tooth gap is located, and over a few weeks or months, your jawbone fuses to the implant which keeps it in place. One of the first parts of the procedure is putting in the implant.

Next, is the abutment. The abutment acts as a hook between the implant and the false tooth. It's attached to the top of the implant, but away from the jawline.

Finally, the crown is the last piece of the dental implant. The crown is the false tooth that sits on top of the abutment and completes the dental implant. Crowns are composed of many different materials, but porcelain and ceramic are two of the main materials.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

The life expectancy is around 25 years, but there are some stipulations that can affect their longevity.

Taking care of your implants is like taking care of your whole mouth. Daily dental hygiene and regular dental check-ups are critical to maintaining the health of your implant.

It's also important to keep foreign objects out of your mouth as well to avoid the possibility of breaking the crown or other teeth.

The implant itself has the longest lifespan because it sits below the gumline. The abutment and the crown are likely to decay if they're not well maintained. Some crowns may need to be replaced every 10-15 simply from normal wear and tear.

Make sure you find the best dentist for this surgery. You need a trained dentist who understands the complexity of dental procedures and jaw structure or has extensive experience with implants. This will go a long way in ensuring your success.

Overall, if you're living a healthy lifestyle by taking care of yourself, you can expect your dental implants to last many happy years.

Why Dental Implants Fail

Even with their longevity, there are times when they fail. There are a few reasons this happens.

The surgery is not performed by an experienced dentist. Take your time to do some research on the best and most reputable dentist.

Lack of dental hygiene plays a large role in keeping your implant healthy. Gum diseases like gingivitis or periodontal disease happen mainly because of inconsistent healthy oral habits like brushing, flossing, or eating healthy foods. When gum diseases occur, the gum tissue deteriorates, and teeth are lost.

Other health problems like certain cancers or diabetes may impact your success. Make sure to review your medical history with your dentist before making any commitments.

These are small possibilities, but the benefits of an implant greatly overpower the chance for failure.

Want to Learn More?

When you're thinking about how long dental implants last, you should feel encouraged and confident that you can have a smile that lasts a lifetime!

Are you looking for more information about dental implants? Our team at Smile On Us Dental here in Hollywood, FL is here to help! Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

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