How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants are an excellent investment in your smile and can be the most successful, longest-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. They’re durable, look natural, and are more comfortable than dentures. But just how long do dental implants last?
The answer depends on several factors that we’ll discuss in this article.
Factors That Influence the Longevity of Dental Implants
Dental implants are a long-term investment. They can last the rest of your life, but several factors can influence how long dental implants will last.
Your Overall Health
Your age, diet, and general health can significantly affect how long dental implants last. Other factors that may influence the lifespan of dental implants are pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension (high blood pressure), or heart disease.
The Expertise of the Dentist
A critical factor in determining how long dental implants last is the expertise of the dentist who performs the procedure. Dentists who are experienced with dental implants are more likely to do the best work, which means that your implant has a better chance of lasting longer.
The Quality and Type of Material Used in Your Implant
The type of material used in your dental implant can affect its longevity.
The most common materials used in dental implants are titanium, cobalt chrome, and zirconium. Titanium is the most popular material used in dental implants because it’s durable, biocompatible, and bioactive, meaning it’s less likely to cause an inflammatory reaction in your mouth.
Titanium is a metal that has natural antibacterial properties to prevent infection from occurring around the implant site. It’s lightweight yet strong enough to withstand the forces of biting and chewing over time.
Placement of the Implant
How well the dental implant was placed during surgery is crucial to longevity.
Placement of the tooth root into the bone with minimum trauma is key to success and longevity. The jawbone's health at the time of placement also plays a vital role in long-term success.
Your Habits and Behaviors
To keep your dental implants healthy as long as possible, consider changing behaviors that might damage them.
For example:
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Don’t chew ice cubes or foods that require a great deal of bite force.
- Avoid chewing on pens or pencils (a surprising number of people have this habit).
- Don't smoke or chew tobacco.
- Drink alcohol in moderation.
- Drink plenty of water each day.
- Avoid eating sweets between meals.
- Brush at least twice a day and floss daily.
- Wash your hands frequently.
Seeing Your Dentist Regularly
Regular dental visits are essential. When you see your dentist at least twice yearly, minor problems can be caught before they become more serious.
Regular check-ups help maintain oral health by preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and other issues.
Doctors Lake Family Dental Offers Dental Implants
Dental implants are a worthwhile investment, considering their long lifespan and advantages over other tooth restoration methods.
Most patients who choose dental implants to replace missing teeth are thrilled with the outcome. Aesthetically, dental implants are the closest thing to natural teeth. They’re also more stable than dentures and bridges.
If you're ready for a long-term solution to tooth loss, contact Doctors Lake Family Dental at 904-264-6700 or book an appointment online.