As a patient, you definitely want to know. So just how long will dental implants last? Dental implants totally changed modern dentistry and offers a reliable option for those with missing teeth. Let’s dig into the lifespan of these implants, plus some factors that affect how long they stay in great shape and tips to keep them around longer.
Implants last, on average, 25+ years if you’re treating them well. And with good maintenance, implants last our patients for life! This is because titanium fuses with the bone through something called osseointegration, creating an inseparable bond. Funny enough, the real secret behind their durability is all in the materials used. It all comes down to the science and materials used.
Different Parts of a Dental Implant
Our patients ask our office often what are the parts of an implants. Well, there are three keys: the implant, abutment, and crown. The implant is titanium so once fused to bone, it’s good for literally forever.. The abutment lasts years too, but the crown – the tooth looking part – may need replacing after 10-15 years or normal usage. Though, proper oral hygiene can stretch that even further.
General Caring for Dental Implants
Speaking of hygiene, how you care for your teeth directly impacts how long your implant survives. Brushing and flossing like a pro is essential. Also, factors like jawbone health or habits like teeth grinding affect longevity. A solid jawbone keeps the implant in place; weak bone structure might lead to failure.
Bite down wrong or too hard on things and you’re asking for trouble. Grinding teeth wears implants down faster, so people with this issue often need night guards. Even the positioning of your implant matters. If it’s placed at a weird angle, there’s uneven pressure on it, which could lead to problems down the road.
Keeping Dental Implants as Long as Possible
So how to keep your implants great for the longest time? It comes down to the basics: brushing and flossing, eating a balanced diet that contains enough calcium. And… certainly drinking enough water and visiting the dentist regularly, of course.
For overall value, dental implants really pay off in the long term. Dentures and bridges don’t don’t compare; they for sure do not last as long, needs to be replaced every few years. With implants, you invest in literally a permanent solution.
In Closing
Not just for longevity, dental implants feel natural and look great. That’s worth a lot. In the end, the best way to extend their life is simple: stay consistent with dental checkups and personal care. If you do, you can bet those implants will be with you for the long haul.
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