Did you know that 50 year old Americans have lost an average of 12 teeth? If you need to get a dental implant and are wondering, “how long do dental implants last?” we can help.
In this guide, we’ll go over the dental implant lifespan. You’ll also learn how to maintain dental implants.
Want to learn more? Keep reading.
What Is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are a replacement tooth root. The dental surgeon inserts the appliance inside the jaw bone to anchor the implant. Then, the missing or damaged tooth will get replaced with artificial teeth.
Dental implant surgery’s an alternative to bridgework or dentures. But, people need to have a decent bone density in their jaw first.
Are Dental Implants Worth the Investment?
Dental implants will have a higher cost compared to traditional dentures.
Yet, there are different reasons why people prefer to get a dental implant. Dental implants tend to be a more durable option because they’re titanium-based.
Traditional dentures, either partial or full, could slide out of place. If your bite’s misaligned, you might experience headaches, shoulder pain, or neck pain.
Implants get anchored in the jaw so that they won’t slip. You also won’t need an adhesive to hold them in place.
A dental implant will appear like natural teeth and feel like your regular teeth as well. The implant will restore and maintain your smile.
When dentures don’t get fitted well, they will end up slipping or loosening in the mouth. The wearer will end up struggling with a lisp or have a hard time talking well.
Dental implants are permanent, and they keep the replacement teeth in the right spot. The person with the implant will be able to speak normally without a slur.
When people end up with loose dentures, they have a hard time chewing food. Dental implants will let you continue to eat a variety of different foods. You won’t experience pain or have a hard time chewing.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Most patients want to know if implants will last forever and if they are permanent. If you maintain your teeth, you’ll increase the lifespan of your dental implant.
The implant screw could last a lifetime. A patient should get a check-up every six months. The crown might only last up to 15 years before you need a replacement. Regular wear and tear will affect the crown.
Peri-Implantitis and Failed Osseointegration
Failed osseointegration and peri-implantitis can cause dental implants to fail.
Peri-implantitis is a dental disease that causes inflammation of the hard and soft gum tissues that surround an implant. The bone surrounding the tooth will become damaged and cause it to loosen.
Failed osseointegration occurs if your jawbone doesn’t grow around the dental implant. An implant will need enough support from the jawbone.
If a dental implant doesn’t embed into the bone, it can occur in the early stages after the surgery.
Have You Experienced Bone Loss?
If you don’t have enough jaw bone, you might need bone regeneration beforehand.
Patients who experience bone loss will need an evaluation by a dental surgeon. This way, the surgeon can determine if the patient’s suitable for a dental implant.
Smokers or people with diabetes could also have an increased risk of dental implant failure.
Find a Reputable Dental Surgeon
Dental implants that aren’t correctly placed in a patient’s mouth will fail. It’s essential to find a reputable dental surgeon who has lots of experience.
This way, your dental implant installation goes smoothly and will last a long time. If you don’t have a dentist right now, make sure you ask your network for a recommendation.
You want to find a dentist who’s experienced and reputable. Make sure you read online reviews if you’re going to see a new dentist.
A high-quality dental implant tends to last longer compared to cheaper dental implants.
What Can You Do to Prevent Dental Implant Problems?
Dental implants can fail or deteriorate or last a lifetime if you care for them.
To avoid dental implant failure, make sure you take care of your oral health. Proper oral hygiene can prolong the life of dental implants.
Brush and floss your teeth daily. Visit your dentist’s office often and stay on track with appointments.
Do you chew or bite hard on crunchy items? You could decrease the lifespan of your dental implant. Make sure you don’t use your teeth to remove tags or rip open plastic bags.
Do you grind your teeth? Grinding your teeth could also impact dental implants and cause wear and tear.
If you smoke or drink alcohol heavily, you could impact your dental implant. Refrain from drinking or smoking a lot before and after getting a dental implant.
Prepare For Dental Implant Surgery
The surgery is an outpatient surgery that gets performed in stages. You will have healing time between the different procedures. The placement of a dental implant has a few steps.
First, the damaged tooth will need to get removed. The patient might need jawbone preparation. Next, the dental implant placement occurs. There’s an abutment placement and an artificial tooth placement.
The process could take a few months. A lot of the time is spent waiting for the growth of new bone in your jaw.
Everyone’s procedure will look different. Keep learning more if you’re wondering, “what are dental implants?”
Find a Reputable Dental Surgeon
We hope this guide on the dental implant lifespan was helpful. Now that you know “how long do dental implants last?” maintain decent oral hygiene.
You’ll also want to get dental implant surgery from a reputable dental clinician.
Are you looking for more helpful tips? Check out the sections on fitness and health.