If you have missing teeth or a missing tooth due to gum disease, an injury, or age, dental implants are for you.
What many people want to know, however, is how long do dental implants last? Will it become a yearly procedure or will the implant last a lifetime?
To learn about the benefits of dental implants and how long the lifespan is, keep on reading.
Table of Contents
Are Dental Implants Right For You?
Let’s first discuss what makes a good candidate for dental implants. Like any surgery, some options are better for certain people.
If you have a long history of dental problems, you are at a higher risk of implant failure. Another reason why some individuals may not be eligible for a dental implant is due to not having enough jaw bone to anchor the implant.
Just like drilling a nail in the wall, if the wall isn’t sturdy, the nail will fall. The same applies to dental implants.
The positive side is that you could be considered for a bone graft surgery which will allow you to receive a dental implant.
If you have a preexisting condition such as cancer or diabetes, you may also be at a higher risk for failure.
It is important to discuss with a professional to determine if dental implants are right for you.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Like anything, the better you take care of your implant, the longer it will last.
The lifespan of a dental implant can be over 25 years if you take proper care of your oral hygiene. By keeping your teeth and gums healthy, you are preventing implant failures from occurring.
The placement of the implant also determines how long it will last. For example, if your dental implant is in the rear of your mouth it will probably have to be replaced sooner.
Natural wear and tear are common and if you are using your implant daily for chewing, you’ll need to replace it faster than a tooth that doesn’t work.
It’s also important to note that you should see your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning, avoid chewing hard items, and keep to the basics like brushing and flossing daily.
Benefits of Dental Implants
While improving your self-esteem and smile is an important benefit of dental implants, it’s not the only one.
Since these implants act like normal teeth, you can use them like normal teeth. This means that you don’t have to avoid certain foods in fear of your implant falling out or breaking.
Another benefit is that you will prevent bone loss. If you have empty space between your teeth, there will be no stimulation which will cause an increase in bone loss.
Dental implants will also prevent your teeth from shifting. If you have multiple teeth missing, even having one dental implant will prevent your teeth from moving.
Overview on How Long Dental Implants Last
The question “How long do dental implants last?” has a very simple answer, it depends on how well you take care of them!
If you put in the effort to maintain proper oral hygiene, then your implant will last way over two decades.
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