How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
An increasingly popular form of dental treatment is dental implants. Dental implants may be a solution if you have damaged, broken, or missing teeth and are considering replacing them.
Designed as a permanent solution to tooth loss or damage, dental implants should last somewhere between 25 and 30 years. But this depends on how you take care of them and your style of oral hygiene.
At Kimberley Rice Family Dentist, we can help you achieve a natural-looking smile, comfort, and confidence.
To understand both the question and answer – how long dental implants last, we must look at a few different factors, such as the structure and the type of implants used.
The Structure of a Dental Implant
First, let’s look at the basic structure of a dental implant. Regardless of the type of prosthesis, implants comprise three main parts.
- Crown
The crown is a false ceramic tooth mounted on the abutment and provides the look and function of a natural tooth. - Abutment
The abutment is fastened to the implant and holds the crown. - The Implant
Is also known as the ‘post,’ made of titanium or zirconia, is surgically embedded into the jawbone and serves as a root for the crown.
The crown and abutment need to be cared for as they are exposed and used in biting and chewing food.
What can affect the life span of Dental Implants?
The lifespan of your dental implants can be as long as 30 years if they are looked after correctly. As with any dental treatment, different factors can reduce how long a dental implant may last. These may include:
- Oral Health
- Lifestyle choices
- Injury or damage
- Choice of food
- Which teeth and where they sit in the mouth
One or more of these can affect your dental implants’ length.
Your initial consultation at Kimberley Rice Family Dentist will cover all the available options and discuss any existing medical conditions before you begin treatment.
How to look after your Dental Implants
Once your dental implants are fitted, you will still need to look after them just like your natural teeth. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing will help reduce plaque build-up and keep your gums healthy.
A dental implant replaces a natural tooth and can bite and chew without slipping, as is often experienced with dentures. Implants are a permanent fixture, so all cleaning, brushing, and flossing are done as you would with your natural teeth.
Your modern dental implants allow you to continue using your teeth as you usually would and look so natural that only you will know the difference.
If you are considering dental implants, you will want to see the best implant dentist in your area; book a visit at Kimberly Rice Family Dentist.
Kimberley A. Rice, DDS, is your patient-centered, caring dentist in Ypsilanti, MI. We serve patients from Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, Saline, Milan, Canton, Plymouth, Northville, Pinckney, Hamburg, and South Lyon.
