Currently, more people choose to use dental implants instead of tooth replacements like dentures and bridges. Several people, however, have not been able to decide if they would go for dental implants or not. One of their main doubts is that they do not know how long dental implants last compared to other tooth restoration. Visit here!
This article will answer a frequently asked question, “how long do dental implants last?” Continue reading to know the answer to this question.
Structures Of Dental Implants
To really understand the structure of dental implants, we need to first understand the basic anatomy of an implant-supported restoration. Implant-supported restorations comprise three main components irrespective of the type of prosthesis it is.
The implant post is done by surgical-grade titanium, and it is the piece that is inserted into the jawbone by specialists in the Dentakay dental clinic. The implant post is fixed in a way that it can create a strong bond with the adjacent bones. Inside the implant post, there is a void that is meant for the insertion of the abutment.
Another part of the dental implant is the abutment. This is the metal post that is screwed into the implant post. It extends above the gum line.
The last part of a dental implant is a prosthesis. It is attached to the abutment with dental adhesives. Sometimes, a small screw covered with composite resin is used to hold it.
The Lifespan Of Dental Implants
When we want to answer the question “how long do dental implants last,” we have to consider the three components of the dental implant. Among the three components of the dental implant, the implant post is said to be the one that lasts the longest. This is because it is fixed deeply in the bone; it is surrounded by bone and not exposed to things that can damage it. Studies have shown that the average lifespan is about 25 years; however, some claim it is permanent.
The other two components that are a bit exposed will more likely become damaged and will eventually need to be replaced. The replacement may need to be done every 10-15 years as they would have been damaged due to wear and tear during chewing.
Although all these have been said, the exact lifespan of a dental implant is dependent on some factors. These factors include;
- Materials: The dental implant’s materials are a significant factor in determining how long the dental implant lasts. Once the materials used are of excellent quality, the dental implant will last longer; however, if the material is substandard, the implant will get damaged easily.
- Location: The location where the mouth is placed in the mouth will also determine how long it will last. This is because we have different types of teeth in different locations, and they serve different purposes. For example, a dental implant fixed at the back of the mouth will wear out quickly because it is constantly placed under pressure when chewing.
- Oral habits: The patient’s oral habit is also a factor. The way the patient chews or grinds their teeth can determine the lifespan of the dental implant. Grinding or clenching the teeth will also put the dental implant under unnecessary pressure, which can cause it to wear down.
- Dental care: How well you can properly care for your teeth is also a significant factor in determining how long the dental implant will last.
- Injuries: A blow to the mouth can damage the dental implant, reducing its lifespan.
Differences Between Dental Implants And Other Tooth Replacements
A dental implant is a long-lasting solution to the issue of missing teeth, and now, most people prefer it over other tooth replacement options. This is because there are several differences between them
- Dental implants, unlike dentures, can be used to eat without the fear of it slipping out
- Unlike dental bridges, dental implants do not affect neighboring teeth but rather support them
- Dental implants last longer than other teeth replacement options
- Dental implants are more expensive
- Dental implants may require bone grafting, but other tooth replacements will not.
How To Properly Maintain Dental Implants
Many people who have done the procedure sometimes also ask a question like, “how long do dental implants last?”, “How can I maintain my dental implants?” All these questions will be answered in this section.
The first thing to establish is that how long dental implants last varies with patients, and it also depends on how well you take care of your teeth.
Dental implants are to be maintained as you would your natural teeth. Healthy routines like brushing twice daily, flossing, using a mouth rinse, etc., will help you maintain healthy oral health. These routines will also prevent cases of bad breath.
Dental checkups are also a must-do. You do not have the luxury of not going for dental checkups because your teeth are false. You need a dental checkup more than someone with natural teeth will. During checkups, the dentist will check your oral health, but they will also check if there are no issues with the dental implant. Going regularly for dental checkups will help detect problems quickly, and they can be promptly attended to.
It is advisable to only use your dental implants to chew foods if you want to maintain them and make them last longer. Please do not use it to open bottles or turn them into tools that can be used to do something. Also, to make your implant last long, do not expose it to unnecessary pressure.
Conclusion
The answer to the question, how long do dental implants last, varies with patients and how well you can maintain them. However, an average estimate of how long dental implants can last is between twenty to thirty years.
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About the Author/s
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.
