Nearly 70% of American adults have lost a permanent tooth due to poor oral hygiene, failed root canals, gum diseases, and accidents.
As embarrassing as it might be, you do have options when it comes to replacing these teeth. It can be a significant financial investment, so it’s important to go with one that gives you the best results while lasting for many years.
Continue reading to learn more about the lifespan of dental implants.
Your Tooth Replacement Options
Your dental surgeon might recommend dentures or bridges, but these may need replaced more frequently or require a lot of work to keep them clean or fitted to your gums. A dental implant, however, can last years and they don’t need a lot of maintenance.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a complete tooth-replacement system that is made up of three parts:
- Titanium implant
- Abutment
- Dental crowns
The implants are placed into the jawbone (as artificial tooth roots) so that there is something there to attach the dental crown to. To attach the crown, an abutment screws into the implant. The crown looks like a natural tooth and is then placed on the abutment.
The dental implant may help to boost your appearance, but that isn’t the only benefit. The implant is fully functional and it even preserves the part of the jaw that begins to deteriorate when you lose a tooth.
How Long Do They Last?
Even though implants are made to last for years, proper dental hygiene can help them last for decades. The dental crowns in the dental implant may need to be replaced after five to fifteen years, but the titanium implant should be able to last a lifetime.
Make sure to go to your follow-up dental check-ups to make sure they aren’t deteriorating. Some factors might affect how long they last, such as how you take care of them.
What Affects the Lifespan of Dental Implants?
As long as you take good care of your replacement teeth, they will last for a long time. Some of the things that might affect their endurance includes:
- How you use your teeth
- What your diet and lifestyle is like
- How you care for them
- Where in the mouth it’s located
If you are going to crunch ice, bite hard foods, or grind your teeth, the crowns may not last as long as they would if you stuck to a softer diet or sleep with a nightguard to prevent the grinding. Drinking alcohol, smoking tobacco, and eating excessive sugar can cause the crowns to wear down quickly.
When these things happen, you may have to have them replaced more often than required.
Ready to Get Dental Implants?
Missing teeth can make you feel insecure. Now that you understand the lifespan of dental implants, you’ll be better prepared to choose the type of tooth replacement option that is best for you. If you are looking for an investment that will last for years, the dental implant may just be the way to go!
Contact Synergy OMS with any questions you might have regarding dental implants and how to get them. We’d be happy to help you get your smile back!
