Dental Implants: How Long Do They Last?

Out of all the tooth-loss solutions that are available, dental implants are considered the gold standard! They offer a reliable and long-lasting solution for missing teeth. Implants replace the entire tooth structure, from root to crown. But how long can you count on them? Read on to learn about their lifespan and what you can do to help them last as long as possible.

What is the Lifespan of Dental Implants?

Dental implants can easily last 30 years or more, and most patients can rely on them for a lifetime! They have unique qualities that help them to be so long-lasting, such as:

• Osseointegration: Titanium is biocompatible, meaning it integrates easily with human tissues and bones. After your implants have been placed, they will begin to bond with your jawbone and eventually fully integrates with it, providing a solid foundation for your new teeth.
• Sturdy Placement: Traditional restorations, like dentures, rely on your gums or healthy neighboring teeth to be held in place. Dental implants are directly anchored to your jawbone. This placement mimics your natural dental roots, allowing you to enjoy a lifelike solution for missing teeth.
• Jawbone Support: Confidence is not the only thing that is lost when you lose your pearly whites; your jawbone can also begin to deteriorate when there are no teeth present to stimulate your jaw. Dental implants help stimulate blood flow directly into the bone tissue and your jawbone can gain strength over time.

Tips to Extend Dental Implants Lifespan

Although you can count on your restorations to last a while, they still require care, just as natural teeth do. There are certain habits you can implement in order to help them last as long as possible, such as:

• Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Even though your replacement teeth will not decay, the tissues around them are more likely to develop periodontal disease than the gum tissue around your natural teeth. Daily and consistent brushing and flossing are a must to keep your implants in good shape for a long period of time.
• Visit Your Dentist: Your six-month checkups and exams are vital for the longevity of your implants. They help to keep your oral health in top condition, as well as provide your dentist the opportunity to check for any problems that need to be addressed before they begin affecting your dental implants.
• Avoid Smoking and Tobacco: Nicotine buildup from smoking negatively influences the blood supply to your gums. This increases your chances of dental implant failure and is often a huge contributing factor when the procedure isn’t successful.

As you can see, dental implants are a wonderful investment in your dental health. These helpful tips and visits to your dentist ensure that your complete smile will be healthy for years to come!

About the Author

West Hartford Dental Group serves families through the expertise of Dr. Ukti Phadnis and Dr. Vance Harper. By offering a broad range of dental services with personalized plans, they can help you achieve the healthy, complete smile of your dreams! They provide total in-house care for every step of the dental implant process.  To schedule a consultation, contact them through their website or call (860) 236-4249.