Are you missing teeth? You aren’t alone. So are 178 million Americans. Fortunately, there are several different tooth replacement options out there. One preferred option by patients and dentists alike is dental implants because of their many benefits. But how long do dental implants last? Continue reading to learn more about their lifespan and how you can lengthen it.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Implants are considered a permanent tooth replacement option, but this doesn’t mean that they will last forever. However, they are long-lasting and typically have a lifespan of 25 years or more with proper care. This depends on several different factors:
- Location in mouth
- Gum health
- Maintenance
- Overall health
What Can You Do to Increase Their Lifespan?
Fortunately, the majority of the factors that contribute to the health of your implants are in your control. Here are a few things that you can do to increase their lifespan.
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene: Your dental implants need to be brushed and flossed every single day, just like your natural teeth. While the crown that is attached to your implant is not susceptible to decay, the implant itself relies on healthy gum tissue to be successful. If you develop periodontal disease, you are much more likely to experience a dental implant failure.
- Proper use: Dental implants are made to chew your food, keep your jawbone strong, hold in saliva, and help you smile. Do not use them to open bottles, rip through packaging, crunch on ice cubes, or bite your nails. When you use your implants as tools, you could damage them.
- Choose a dentist who is experienced: When choosing a dentist for your dental implant placement surgery, you want to make sure that they have a lot of experience in that area of the field. This goes for any surgery or procedure that you opt for. Look into the types of continuing education they have. It is also a good idea to check out patient reviews.
- See your dentist regularly: Regular cleanings and checkups are necessary in order to prevent oral health problems. When problems occur with your implant, it is important that your dentist catches them right away so they can be resolved.
Implants have all sorts of benefits, including their long life. However, it is important that they are well taken care of, or else they will not be around very long. With proper maintenance, you may never have to worry about your missing teeth ever again.
About the Author
Dr. Marc Thomas earned his DDS degree from the University of the Pacific before serving in the US Army Dental Corps taking care of troops. He is committing to continuing education including in implant restoration. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Northern Nevada Dental Society, Seattle Study Club, and the Academy of General Dentistry. For more information on dental implants or to schedule a consultation, visit his website or call (775) 626-3535.