While many people have heard of dental implants, most aren’t entirely sure why they’re such a hot topic. Yes, they have the ability to replace missing teeth like traditional dentures and bridges, but they take it one step further. By restoring both the root and biting structures of teeth using leading-edge techniques and technology, they can last for decades and provide truly lifelike results. Read on to learn just how long their lifespan is and why they’re now the gold standard for tooth replacement.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically inserted into the jawbone to replace the missing root structure of teeth. They offer an incredibly strong support system for any type of prosthetic to be attached to, like crowns, bridges, and dentures, eliminating pesky consequences of traditional prosthetics as well as the need to alter existing natural teeth.
Studies have shown that with quality maintenance, a good candidate for dental implants can enjoy their restored smile for 35 or more years. Because the treatment is modern, there aren’t a lot of studies that track patients’ implant success stories past several decades, so it’s said that they can even last longer than this.
Why Do Dental Implants Last So Long?
Traditional restorations like dentures need to be replaced every four to seven years due to the jawbone remodeling itself because of a lack of stimulation. This causes the prosthetic to fit differently within the mouth, requiring you to get refitted for a new one. However, because dental implants are biocompatible, they’re able to chemically fuse with the jawbone to provide it with stimulation and blood flow that keeps it from deteriorating with time. This is why they have an incredibly long lifespan!
Maximizing the Lifespan of Dental Implants
The best way to get the most out of your dental implants in Irving is to implement good dental hygiene practices in your life, like quitting using tobacco products and excessively drinking alcohol, before and following your procedure. These are some of the top causes of peri-implantitis, which is a leading cause of implant failure. It’s also crucial for you to brush twice a day and floss daily to prevent bacteria from accumulating within the mouth, just like you would do to protect your natural smile.
While dental implants have a higher up-front cost, their incredibly lengthy lifespan makes them an excellent long-term investment. You can learn whether you’re a good candidate for the treatment by scheduling a consultation with your implant dentist.
About the Author
Dr. Rafiq Hirji has over a decade of experience in the dental field. He loves being able to help patients with one, several, or entire rows of missing teeth restore their smile and boost their confidence with dental implants, and with specialized training in a range of treatments, he’s able to offer outstanding results. For questions or to schedule a dental implant consultation, visit Daily Smiles MacArthur Dental & Orthodontics’ website or call 972-546-4114.