You may have heard that dental implants can truly change your life. They can give you back your teeth in the form of natural-looking, functioning alternatives. This means a boost in confidence - and the ability to eat your favorite foods.
However, if you have heard of dental implants, then there is a good chance you have heard that they are a pretty big investment. But, when something is built to last, it makes the investment worth it, doesn’t it? That’s what you will find with dental implants.
So, how long do dental implants last? Let’s find out.
Dental Implants: What Are They?
Dental implants work to not only replace missing teeth aesthetically but also reduce the impact that their absence has on your mouth. For each missing tooth you have, all the teeth surrounding it no longer have support to keep them from moving. That means without a replacement - such as a dental implant - your remaining teeth may begin to shift (which can lead to further oral health issues).
A dental implant is an artificial replacement tooth that can be used to replace one or all of your teeth. It works well to keep everything in place, but it does so while also looking beautiful and natural. Did we mention that it functions as well as an ordinary tooth, too?
A small titanium “root” or anchor is implanted into the jaw bone. After a few months, it is fused with the bone, and posts are inserted into these anchors to allow for a permanent tooth to be attached. You end up with an artificial tooth that looks and acts like a real tooth.
Caring For Your Dental Implants
As with anything in life, caring for your dental implants properly will ensure their longevity. Simple oral hygiene efforts include:
- Brushing teeth with a soft toothbrush - at least twice per day
- Using low-abrasive toothpaste
- Flossing daily
- Rinsing with an Antimicrobial mouthwash daily
Increasing the Life of Your Dental Implants
On average, dental implants should last about 25 years, but may last longer if they are cared for properly. You need to take into consideration that the actual tooth is a crown that will likely need to be replaced every 15 years or so due to wear and tear.
It is important to understand that this timetable is not set in stone since there are many facts that can impact the longevity of your dental implants, such as whether or not you have an experienced and highly skilled dentist do the procedure. Other things, too, such as:
The location of your implant. Those in the back of the mouth tend to do all the heavy chewing and take the most force. So implants in the front of the mouth often last longer.
Level of dedication to oral hygiene. Real or not, you need to take care of your teeth. The better your oral hygiene, the greater chance you will have long-lasting dental implants. Brushing and flossing are vital, as is following through with your regular professional dental cleanings.
Bone density concerns. With dental implants, the titanium “root” has to fuse with the bone to remain sturdy and strong. Individuals who have low bone density may find this to be difficult and encounter issues as they age.
Learn More About Dental Implants at The Smile Architects
If you have only one missing tooth or no teeth at all, you will find that dental implants can be a wonderful, natural-looking alternative. Because they look so close to the real thing - and function like it, too - dental implants can easily increase the overall quality of one’s life.
Interested in learning more? Contact The Smile Architects at 704-875-1621. We’ve been providing Huntersville residents with dental implants for many years.
Or, schedule an appointment online.