Are you missing a tooth and seeking dental implants, or maybe you just got one and asking yourself, “How long do dental implants last?” or “Do dental implants last forever?”
Let’s take a look at how long dental implants actually last.
Tooth implants are currently the top choice for replacing missing teeth. It can be used to replace a single tooth or provide support for a bridge or dentures.
However, questions about the procedure, particularly dental implants’ longevity, often arise and can cause hesitation. The most common question asked is whether tooth implants last indefinitely.
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A closer examination of dental implants: what goes into making them?
Tooth implants owe their exceptional durability to the materials used to construct them, which include:
- Implant: A titanium/zirconia post-surgically inserted into the jawbone, which serves as the root for the crown.
- Abutment: The part that is secured to the implant and supports the crown.
- Crown: A ceramic artificial tooth mounted onto the abutment, providing the appearance and function of a natural tooth.
Although the crown and abutment are more prone to damage due to their exposure and use during biting and chewing, the implant remains stable and robust, contributing to the longevity of the entire implant system.
Benefits of Investing in Implants for Tooth Replacement
- Regain your self-confidence with a smile-enhancing solution.
- Unlike removable dentures, experience permanent results.
- Enjoy eating without difficulty or discomfort caused by missing or damaged teeth.
- Speak more comfortably without the hassle of missing teeth.
- Prevent the loss of jawbone density that can occur with missing teeth.
- Achieve a more youthful facial appearance by avoiding the “drooping” look often seen in individuals with few or no teeth.
Can Dental Implants Last a Lifetime?
Tooth implants have become more prevalent because of their high success rate. Research indicates that the typical implant has a success rate of 93-98% over 10 years.
So, How Long Do Dental Implant Last?
Typically, dental implants have a lifespan of 10 to 30 years. Consequently, depending on the patient’s age during the implant procedure, it is probable that the implant will last for the remainder of their life.
There is no other substitute for missing teeth that has the potential to endure for such a long period. By obtaining a tooth implant, you are investing in your dental well-being for your life.
Dental Implants Longevity Vs. Other Tooth Replacement Alternatives
Dental implants are now the favored tooth replacement choice for patients and dentists since they provide a long-lasting answer for missing teeth. They function similarly to natural teeth, allowing for comfortable biting and chewing, unlike dentures that can slip.
Implants are permanently fixed, and brushing and flossing are done alongside natural teeth. Unlike tooth bridges, implants don’t stress neighboring teeth and don’t necessitate any unique cleaning methods since they are implanted in the jawbone.
But, What’s the Secret Behind the Longevity of Dental Implant?
What makes tooth implants outlast other tooth replacement options is their construction.
Dental implants are composed of titanium, a secure and biocompatible substance. They are robust and enduring because they gradually bond with the jawbone via osseointegration, forming a sturdy and reliable base for dental restorations.
While the crown fastened to the implant may require replacement every 15 to 20 years due to natural wear and tear, well-maintained implants can last a lifetime. It might come as a surprise to those who wonder, ‘How long do dental implants last.’ It indicates that tooth implants offer a superior choice for individuals seeking a lasting solution for missing teeth.
How Can I Make My Dental Implant Last Longer?
Ensuring your tooth implant lasts for many years requires basic maintenance from your end.
Following are a few tips from professionals to maintain the longevity of dental implants.
- Brush and floss your teeth twice and once a day, respectively, to maintain good oral hygiene.
- Visit your dentist every six months to keep your teeth clean and identify potential issues that could harm your implant.
- Smoking can restrict blood flow to the gums, slowing the healing process and the implant’s solidification.
- Maintaining bone health is crucial for the implant’s stability, so take supplements, especially calcium, and potassium, after approval from your doctor.
What’s the Failure Rate of Dental Implants?
Research shows dental implant failure rates fall between 5% and 10%, referring to a success rate of implants between 90% to 95%, which are favorable odds compared to other dental or medical procedures.
Reasons Dental Implants Fail
While tooth implants are typically successful and have a long lifespan, they may fail in some situations.
Patients with pre-existing conditions such as cancer and diabetes have a higher risk of implant failure, which some dentists may refuse to perform surgery on.
Poor oral hygiene, specifically gum disease, is another factor that can lead to implant failure as it causes the gums to recede and expose the implant.
Certain medications or treatments can impact the lifespan of implants. These may include:
- radiation therapy.
- blood-thinning medications.
- immunosuppressive drugs.
Considering Dental Implants?
Are you drawn to the long-lasting benefits of dental implants? Would you like to schedule a tooth implant consultation, or do you have any further questions regarding the longevity of dental implants?
At Brooklyn Boulevard Dental, MN, we help our patients feel comfortable and at ease while providing top-notch tooth implants and oral care services in a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Feel free to get more information on the pricing and suitability of tooth implants for your specific needs today. Contact us now!
