On the market out there, you have a lot of options for products. Some are built to last while others are cheaper, but the quality definitely reflects the lower price tag and means you’ll have to replace it more frequently. When it comes to tooth replacement, having an idea how long dental implants last can help you determine whether they are worth considering for your smile. Keep reading to learn more about what you can expect and do to make your teeth go the distance.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
The lifespan of these replacement teeth can range from a very short time after placement to a whole lifetime of 30 or more years! Early on, your implant dentist will be responsible for making sure you are in a good position to receive the posts, but if you have conditions like gum disease, diabetes, or osteoporosis, your implants may not integrate properly with the jawbone from the start.
Once the implants have become embedded in the jawbone, much of the success of your dental implants depends on you. Unfortunately, failure is possible and could happen to anyone, but typically your mouth provides early warning signs, and preserving your dental implants doesn’t require extra special effort.
What Can Make Dental Implants Last Longer?
Maintenance for dental implants looks a lot like care for natural teeth. Although the ceramic and titanium components can’t decay, gum-infecting bacteria can still accumulate on the prosthetics and access your soft tissue. Without adequate care, your jawbone will deteriorate and cause your implants to fail.
As a result, you need to continue daily, simple oral hygiene, namely brushing and flossing. These little actions remove food debris, plaque, and bacteria and keep your implants and your gums clean and healthy. In addition to at-home maintenance, you must go to your dentist’s office for checkups at least every six months. Not only could there be plaque you missed that the team could take off, but this experienced professional can spot those early signs of infection and intervene to save your replacement teeth.
Are Dental Implants Worth Considering?
Absolutely! Compared to how long traditional dentures and bridges last, dental implants can outlive them by far. While a bridge can go for up to 10 to 15 years, dentures typically are replaced every 5 to 7 years with adjustments every couple of years to ensure custom fit. Although the initial cost of implants may seem high, when you include the price of other replacements, implants may prove to be the smartest investment.
Your teeth deserve to be the highest quality and receive the best care possible, unless you want to replace them again and again. Dental implants have incredible potential, but you have to be willing to put in this reasonable effort!
About the Author
Dr. Albert Kim owns and operates Highline Dental and has more than 10 years of clinical experience in the Houston area. At the clinic, he proudly places and restores implants, saving patients trips to specialist offices. Ensuring success in the short term, he makes sure every candidate for implants has passed a rigorous pre-placement assessment, and he provides long-term care to extend the life expectancy of these replacement teeth. Would you like to learn more about these prosthetics? Call our Richmond office at 832-220-9324 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.