People who are thinking about getting dental implants for their missing teeth have many questions. One of those questions is about the lifespan of dental implants. Although this procedure is known to have a long lifespan, you can make better decisions if you know more about how long it lasts.
Dental implants last forever, unlike bridges or dentures. If you take care of them, they can last for decades. But how long they last depends on a number of things. Let’s look more closely at what this treatment can do for you.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are made of safe materials, such as titanium, and look like real tooth roots. Dentists use a surgical method called osseointegration to connect them to the jawbone. Once you feel better, then your dentists will place a crown on your implant before making it work and look new again.
How Long Do Dental Implants Usually Last?
Dental implants have a life span of 20 years or 30 years, provided that you take good care of them. The implant is fixed on the jawbone and is required to remain in the jawbone throughout your lifetime. However, the crown placed on the implant may need replacement every 10 to 15 years due to normal wear.
Factors That Affect Their Lifespan
Although dental implants are a long lasting solution to the replacement of missing teeth, their lifespan can be determined by various factors.
The following are some of the relevant factors that may influence their longevity:
Oral Hygiene:
Good dental hygiene is vital for everyone. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily help prevent gum disease and infection. Unless you take care of your teeth and gums, you can develop peri-implantitis. This can result in the failure of the implants.
Overall Health:
People with some health issues such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases may not heal easily and may even be susceptible to complications. It may also put you at risk of implant failure when you smoke, as it slows the healing process in an implant.
Bone Density:
To have a dental implant work, your jawbone must also be healthy and strong. Individuals who have lost a large amount of bone might require alternative interventions, including a bone graft, before they can receive an implant.
Teeth Grinding:
Grinding or clenching your teeth too much could hurt the crown and the bone around it. In these situations, dentists often recommend wearing a night guard to protect the implant.
Can Dental Implants Fail?
Dental implants usually work, but they can still fail. If the implant doesn’t attach well to the bone, it can fail early. Late failure could be caused by an infection or too much pressure.
Conclusion
Dental implants are a good way to replace a tooth, and if you take care of them properly, they can last a lifetime. They help you get your smile and confidence back in the long run.
For a natural-looking smile, you can contact Aava Dental of North Hollywood. With proper planning and care, we help you enjoy a confident and beautiful smile for years. Call us at (818) 792-4500 to schedule your visit today!