How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Are you planning on getting dental implant surgery done? We understand the considerable concerns you might have re investment in time and money . we prepared the following article to answer most asked questions. You would like to know just how long the dental implants will last. The general expectation is that your dental implants should last for more than 25 years, with proper care. The crown itself should last for no less than 15 years. However, there are other reasons that might impact the longevity of your dental implants. Let’s take a look at what dental implants are and how long you can reasonably expect your dental implants to last.

Let’s get to know something about dental implants 

Dental implants are designed to replace your teeth permanently. They can tolerate any amount of chewing or biting and do so without slipping off your jawbone. They are pretty firmly attached to it. Dental implants not only replace your bad or missing teeth, but they help reduce the load on your other teeth. They restore your jawbone’s structure, protecting your natural tooth tissue. They also ensure that your jawbone does not deteriorate, preventing jawbone loss. Let’s get to know some basics about dental implants. Dental implants contain the following three key components:

• Implant: The implant itself is a strong post made of titanium that is inserted into the jawbone, into which the crown is screwed. Think of the implant as a root that supports the crown, which is your prosthetic tooth.
• Abutment: The abutment is a structure that supports the implant and holds the crown in place.
• Crown: The crown is the tooth part that’s seen on the outside. Made of ceramic, the crown is attached to the abutment. The crown looks and performs just like a natural tooth.

If you are thinking about long-term wear and tear, it is more likely for the exposed crown and the abutment to be more prone to damage than the dental implant itself.

Some reasons when dental implants can fail 

Dental technology has become so advanced over the years that implant failures due to rejection or functionality issues have largely become problems of the past. Cared for properly, you can enjoy indefinite, long-term dental implant sustainability. Implants are like regular teeth, once they’re in your mouth. You have to take care of them just like you would with natural teeth.  However, the following reasons could impact their lifespan negatively:

• Lack of regular checkups at your dentist and proper follow-ups
• Inadequate brushing and flossing, which can lead to periodontal (gum) disease. This is a serious condition and can lead to failure of a dental implant.
• Mouth location; implants located in the rear of the mouth wear more due to chewing. This added strain can make them fail more quickly, when compared to implants close to the front of the mouth. This means that you cannot expect implants at the back of your mouth to last as long as the implants in the front of your mouth.
• Pre-existing health conditions such as cancer or diabetes can pose a higher risk of dental implant failure.
• Misuse of dental implants, such as using them to bend metal or crunch very hard objects can hasten their failure.
• The skill of your dentist. Yes, your dentist’s skill and expertise matter a great deal to your implant longevity. A professional dental implant expert will know how to embed the implant perfectly. He or she will have the expertise to assess if the osseointegration is progressing well, and whether your jawbone has and the implant are completely fused. If your dentist is not properly qualified or experienced, you are likely to face issues with your implants sooner than later.
• If you happen to smoke or drink heavily, you’ll face a much higher risk of implant failure. People don’t smoke or drink have a much better chance of extending their implant’s life. If you want your implants to last much longer, stay away from heavy smoking and drinking, both before and after your implant surgery.

Summary

Your dental implant, when successfully done, helps you look a lot more attractive, feel more confident and increase your self-esteem. If you have gaps between your teeth due to tooth loss, the dental implant procedure will give you a straight smile. It’s not just about aesthetics alone, though. Dental implant surgery allows you to speak easily, and enjoy your conversations better. They also help you eat confidently, without issues.

Dental implants look just like natural teeth – unless you tell people that they’re implants, they’re not going to know it. So treat your implants just as you would treat your natural teeth – with care  and regular dental hygiene check up. Just because the crowns are made of tough ceramic and the posts out of high-grade titanium does not mean they can take any level of abuse.

Call Platinum Dental Care at (734) 522-5520 to schedule your free initial dental consultation and to get more information about dental implants treatment, procedure, cost and benefits . Platinum Dental Care is the most trusted dental implants provider of Livonia, Redford, Westland, Garden City and other surrounding areas in Michigan.