When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants are often considered to be the gold standard. They offer results that other treatments can’t, meaning you’ll have a strong and stable bite that doesn’t shift around. While you can get up to 90% of your bite back, you might wonder how long you can enjoy your results for. Here’s what you need to know about their longevity.
So, How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
In short, implants can last for 30 years or longer when properly taken care of. They can even go for a lifetime if you do your part in making sure they stay in great shape. This lifespan is all thanks to your preventive care and how they were placed.
Unlike other tooth replacements that sit on your gums or use your natural teeth as a base, this treatment is placed and fused to your jawbone. This process is known as osseointegration, and it’s a vital step that can’t be skipped.
Once it’s done, the post is essentially a permanent part of your oral anatomy. Better yet, the material used for the fixture, which can be titanium or zirconia, doesn’t decay like a home-grown tooth when it has a cavity.
Does My Restoration on Top Have a Different Lifespan?
While the implant post can last for a lifetime, the restoration you get on top will need to be replaced eventually. That’s because it will experience daily wear and tear from eating, but you can expect it to last around 10 to 15 years. When you do need a new one, only this part will get swapped out, meaning you’ll save money compared to redoing the entire structure.
What Affects My Dental Implant Longevity?
As was mentioned above, your dental implants can last for decades to come, but certain factors can impact their lifespan. To set yourself up for success, this is what you should know about several of them:
- Oral Health: While this tooth replacement can’t get cavities, harmful bacteria can still attack the supporting structures and lead to failure.
- Lifestyle Habits:Excessive alcohol and tobacco use can affect your recovery after placement surgery. They can reduce blood flow and increase your risk of an infection.
- Jawbone Density:Your jaw needs to be dense and strong enough to support the post.
- Certain Health Conditions: Diabetes and other systemic diseases can slow down your healing and lead to wobbly results.
The good news is that your dentist is here to set you up for success. By having a consultation, they will be able to make sure you can get the results you love that last for a lifetime.
About the Author
Dr. Ronak Patel earned his first two dental degrees in India and then his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of the University of Southern California. He has since completed a three-year prosthodontic residency, which gave him the training and knowledge to do the entire dental implant office in-house. If you want to see if you can get this treatment for your smile, schedule an appointment or call his office at (484) 406-3110.