Many patients rightfully ask “How long do dental implants last?” but that can be a complex question. Learn about the factors that can affect longevity here.
Did you know that dental implants can last
up to 25 years? The key is to take proper care of them. Since these prosthetics look and feel like your real teeth, it’s important to brush and floss daily.
Nearly 4 percent of adults have no remaining teeth. This rate is even higher among the elderly and current smokers. Dental implants are a viable option, but they require as much care as your natural teeth.
Many patients rightfully ask how long do dental implants last? That can be a complex question.
While it’s true that implants can last up to 25 years or even longer, their lifespan depends on several factors.
Smokers, for example, will likely need to replace their dental implants sooner than those who don’t smoke. The same goes for those who are prone to gum disease.
Interested to learn more? Here’s what you should know about dental implants and how to increase their lifespan.
Dental Implants at a Glance
A growing number of Americans are choosing dental implants to replace missing teeth. The
prevalence of these prosthetics increased from 0.7 percent in 1999-2000 to 5.7 percent in 2015-2016. Their popularity is largely due to the high success rate associated with the procedure.
Dental implants are attached to the jawbone and can help restore its structure. They’re designed as a permanent tooth replacement option, which explains their long lifespan.
These prosthetics are used in restorative cosmetic dentistry. They have both functional and aesthetic purposes and can replace one or more missing teeth. Patients no longer have to deal with the discomfort of mobile dentures.
Depending on your needs, your dentist may use dental implants to support a bridge, crown, or other dental prostheses. He or she may also use them as orthodontic anchors.
Their success or failure depends on the dentist’s skills and experience, as well as on your health and lifestyle habits.
When done right, this procedure may improve your appearance, speech, and oral health. It also makes it easier to chew your food, which may prevent nutrient deficiencies and digestive discomfort.
Other benefits of dental implants may include:
- Increased convenience
- Durability
- Greater self-esteem
- Natural look
- Improved facial and bone features
- Improved ability to eat
- High success rate
More than a quarter of adults are embarrassed to smile because of their teeth. With dental implants, you won’t have to worry about your smile anymore.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
By now, you should have a better understanding of dental implants and how they can help. The benefits of an implant for tooth replacement go beyond looks.
These prosthetics help preserve the dental structure, restoring your mouth to its natural state. They feel and function like natural teeth while preventing bone loss. Additionally, they stay in place when you’re eating, smiling, yawing, or talking.
Another major advantage of dental implants is that they don’t affect the neighboring teeth. They actually help keep your natural teeth healthy and may improve your jawline.
When a dental implant is fitted into the jaw bone, it promotes new bone growth. This helps preserve oral health, improves your bite, and supports your facial structure.
The benefits of an implant depend largely on its role and position in your mouth. Generally, dental implants have a success rate of 97 to 98 percent and are suitable for most people.
Need one more reason to choose this tooth replacement option?
With dental implants, you don’t have to worry about tooth decay. Although you still need to take care of them to prevent bacteria buildup, your new teeth won’t rot or get cavities.
Components of Dental Implants
Most people associate dental implants with the crown, which looks like a natural tooth.
These prosthetics actually consists of three different parts that are equally important:
- Implant post — a small, screw-shaped structure inserted into the jawbone
- Abutment — a short screw that connects the implant post to the false tooth
- Prosthesis — a crown, denture, or bridge placed on top of the abutment
The quality and longevity of dental implants depend on each of these structures.
Dental implant posts, for instance, come in different sizes, shapes, and materials. Some are more durable and adhere better to the gum than others.
Your dentist can help you choose the right type of implant based on your needs and budget.
He may also recommend other procedures, such as permanent dentures. This option is suitable for those with several missing or damaged teeth.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
As mentioned earlier, dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement solution. Therefore, they can last a lifetime as long as you take good care of them. Their average lifespan is around 15 to 25 years.
The crown placed on top of the abutment is subject to wear-and-tear. Over time, it may need to be replaced, but this depends largely on your dental hygiene and lifestyle factors.
Some people believe that brushing and flossing are not necessary if they have dental implants. But that’s not the case.
Poor dental hygiene, cigarette smoking, and chewing hard things may all affect the longevity of dental implants.
Certain disorders, such as bone cancer or osteoporosis, may reduce their lifespan too. Another risk factor is uncontrolled diabetes.
Rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular problems, bleeding disorders, and mucosal disease may interfere with dental implants too.
Head and neck cancer may cause bone defects, leading to implant failure. If your immune system is weak, your gums and bones may not heal properly following the procedure.
If you have a pre-existing condition, discuss your needs with a dentist. He may suggest using other procedures, such as a tooth-supported fixed bridge, mini implants, or full/partial dentures.
Take the Steps Needed to Restore Your Smile
There’s no definite answer to the question of how long do dental implants last? Assuming you’re healthy, the most likely cause of implant failure is bad oral hygiene.
Brushing and flossing remove bacteria and debris from your mouth. If you skip these steps, bacteria can build up in the oral cavity, leading to gum disease. This condition can damage the jaw bone and affect your implants.
At the Mantis Dentistry and Implant Center of Wilmette, IL, we offer dental implant services at affordable rates. Our team has years of experience in general and restorative dentistry.
Whether you want to find out more about dental implants or discuss your options, contact us today. We can restore your smile and help you feel like yourself again.
