Are you missing teeth? You are not alone. It is estimated that 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. Having gaps in your smile is not aesthetically pleasing, and it can lead to all sorts of oral health problems like the deterioration of your jawbone, misaligned teeth, and premature aging. Fortunately, with modern dental technology, there are several solutions for people who are missing teeth. A common long-term option is dental implants. They are natural-looking, prevent jawbone shrinkage, and keep your other teeth from shifting. But how long do they really last? Continue reading to learn more.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
With proper care, your dental implants can last upwards of 25 years, but it depends on several different factors including:
- Oral hygiene
- Location of implant
- General lifestyle choices
- Skills of dentist
Currently, implants are the most permanent solution to missing teeth on the market. This is because the titanium implant is placed directly into your jawbone and fuses to it in a process called osseointegration. Ultimately, the implant acts as your natural tooth root and maintains the integrity of your jawbone.
How Can You Increase the Lifespan of Dental Implants?
- Avoid smoking: Many people know that smoking causes discoloration to your natural teeth. If you smoke, you are also limiting the blood supply to your gums. This will put you at risk for periodontal disease and decrease the likelihood of having successful dental implants.
- Control teeth grinding: If you have bruxism, you can loosen the cement that is holding your implant in place. This disrupts the healing process. If you think you may grind your teeth when you sleep, talk to your dentist. He can give you advice and come up with a solution for this problem.
- Maintain good oral hygiene: Just because artificial teeth are not susceptible to tooth decay does not mean that you can slack on your oral hygiene routine. In order to make your implants last, you should be brushing twice and flossing once daily. See your dentist every six months for regular cleanings and checkups. If there is an issue, catching and treating it early is important to maintain the health of your smile.
How Do Dental Implants Compare to Other Tooth Replacement Options?
Implants are the only tooth replacement option that replace the natural root of the tooth, therefore stimulating the jawbone. They are also sturdier in the mouth which gives patients the ability to eat pretty much any of their favorite foods. Even though they do tend to cost more upfront than other traditional options, tooth implants do not need to be replaced every 5-7 years like bridges and dentures. Ultimately, many people end up paying less in the long run.
Dental implants are a great option for people who want a long-term solution to missing teeth. Your dentist will be happy to answer any questions about how to take care of them and how they could benefit you.
About the Author
Dr. William Herr is committed to helping patients at Clear Coast Dental achieve their smile goals. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Maryland’s School of Dentistry and has received specialty training in numerous aspects of oral health including dental implants. He is involved with the Academy of General Dentistry and Massachusetts Dental Society’s Leadership Institute. Dr. Herr and his team provide several tooth replacement options including dental implants. For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit his website or call (508) 997-1030.
