How Many Years Do Dental Implants Last?
In the past, the only way to replace a missing tooth was with either a partial denture or a fixed bridge. While both of these restorations are still used in dental offices worldwide today, there is a more convenient option that can be used that does not require surrounding teeth to be filed down or damaged. Dental implants are at the forefront of technology currently, and they are used to help replace one or more teeth in the mouth that are missing.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant looks like a small screw or post. They are often made out of titanium, so they are safe to be used in the human body during surgical procedures. The actual post of the implant itself osseointegrates, or fuses, with your jaw bone over the course of about six months. Once it’s fused with the bone, it’s there to stay and can act as a permanent abutment for crowns, bridges and even dentures. You can have one implant placed at a time or many placed to replace the teeth you’re currently missing.
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How Long Will They Last?
On average, implants can last for about three to four decades before they may need to be replaced. However, many people have had implants in their mouth for many decades without the implant itself showing any signs of wear. You can expect the implant to be a permanent solution to your smile woes. The implant acts like a natural tooth root and will stay in place as long as your mouth, gums and underlying bone are healthy. If you experience bone loss over time due to gum disease, this can have an impact on how long the implant will last.
How to Maintain Your New Implants
The best way to maintain your new implants is by brushing and flossing your teeth daily. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth and bone loss in the mouth. Because implants rely on that underlying bone to stay in place, bone loss can eventually loosen and damage the implant itself. Regular trips into the office will allow us to check on the health of your implants to ensure they are still in good shape and working the way that they should.
If you would like to learn more about implants, call our office today and we can get you in for a conveniently scheduled appointment.
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