Dental implants can play a big role in building confidence in your smile. If you have ever lost a tooth - or teeth - then you know just how important that confidence can be. As a natural-looking, functional tooth alternative, dental implants allow you to move forward freely.
Without any exaggeration, dental implants can be a big investment. And this often halts people when making their decision. Are they worth it? Will they last? When will they have to be replaced? See, if dental implants are built to last, then the investment just makes sense.
So, how long do dental implants last? Let’s talk about it.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are an alternative replacement for lost teeth. Aesthetically, they look like the real thing. And, they function the same, too. That means you will have a tooth (or teeth) in your mouth that looks and functions so much like the real thing that unless you tell someone, no one will ever know a dental implant isn’t real.
When a tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth no longer have the support they need to stay where they are. That means, over time, they will begin to move. This may lead to even bigger problems, such as a misaligned bite. By adding a dental implant to the empty space, you are giving support to all the surrounding teeth.
A small titanium “root” (also referred to as an anchor) is implanted into the jaw bone. After a few months, it fuses with the bone, creating a sturdy root for a post to be inserted and an artificial tooth (a crown) to be attached.
Dental Implant Care
The better you care for your dental implants, the longer they will last. And, really, they just require simple oral hygiene efforts to keep them healthy, such as:
- Brushing at least twice each day with a soft toothbrush
- Using low-abrasive toothpaste
- Daily flossing
- Daily rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash
The Longevity of Dental Implants
Your dental implants should last you about 25 years on average. However, if they are cared for with great oral hygiene and extra precautions, they can last even longer. It is important to note that crowns will need to be replaced every 15 years or so due to wear and tear, but the implant itself will not.
The longevity of dental implants will vary for a variety of reasons and therefore can’t be held to this timetable. A couple of the biggest factors that come into play when discussing how long dental implants will be around are the location of the implant (implants in the front of the mouth tend to last longer) and level of bone density (since the bone needs to be strong to hold the implant).
If you have a highly skilled and experienced dentist handling your dental implant and you work hard at maintaining stellar oral hygiene, your investment is going to be worth it - both financially and personally.
Learn More About Dental Implants at Laurie A. Rosato, DMD
Whether you have one missing tooth or many, dental implants can play a positive role in your oral health -- and your overall quality of life. Learn more at Laurie A. Rosato, DMD today.
Call our office at 603-228-9276 . Or request an appointment online.