How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

If you are looking for a long-term solution to a decayed, broken, or missing tooth, most dentists will recommend dental implants. They are highly functional and generally regarded as permanent solutions in tooth replacement procedures. Dental implants are the most aesthetically successful tooth replacement solution, also.

But how long do dental implants actually last? Is there a chance that your implant will last a lifetime? What are the factors that affect the longevity of dental implants? What are the Benefits Of Getting Dental Implants? And what can you do to prolong the lifespan of your implant? We will answer these and other essential questions in this brief post.

7 Benefits Of Getting Dental Implants

Having dental implants can really help you regain your self-confidence. Here are some benefits you stand to get if you have dental implants put in.

Benefit #1 They are permanently fixed to your jaw

Many people who lack teeth have noticed how embarrassing dentures can be. Not only do they slip at the most awkward moments, but they are obviously not real-looking. So your secret lack of teeth is exposed to the world. Dental implants are better than dentures since they won’t slip and even fall out of your mouth.

Benefit #2 Dental implants can take on more wear and tear

Since a huge chunk of your time is used in eating, you may have noticed that your dental implants go through a lot of wear and tear every day. As the roots of dental implants are made from either titanium or titanium alloys, these dental implants types of materials are compatible with bone. The bone will grow around the implants and fix them in place. So, unlike dentures that can easily slip and fall, dental implants will stay fixed and can only be removed through dental surgery. The “teeth” parts are made of porcelain and will be shaped so that they look like your natural teeth.

Benefit #3 You look better with dental implants

When you opt for dental implants, space (that used to be occupied by the teeth that you had lost) may seem to be “filled in”. So you won’t look like a malnutrition victim with sunken cheeks. You will actually look great, depending on the skill of the dental surgeon who put in the dental implants. You might even look better now that you have dental implants, compared to when you had your natural teeth.

Benefit #4 You speak better due to dental implants

Another great aspect to having dental implants is that you won’t have to worry about dentures slipping or even falling just when you’re in an important conversation with your boss or while you are training colleagues at work. As dental implants are already fixed to your jaw, they won’t fall out. This adds to your confidence in public speaking, especially if no one knows that you actually paid for dental implants.

Benefit #5 It is easier to eat using dental implants

Having dental implants is really an improvement over dentures since you won’t find it hard to eat using them. Once you have healed from the surgery to install the dental implants, you might find it so easy to eat that you’ll forget you have dental implants at all.

Benefit #6 Dental implants may help your mouth stay healthy

Dental implants that have been successfully set in place are relatively easy to care. You can brush and floss normally, even along the gumline of the prosthetic teeth. It is also desirable to use mouthwash to get into hard-to-reach spaces. This allows you to keep up with oral health habits necessary for keeping your mouth, gums, tongue and other natural teeth as healthy as possible.

Benefit #7 You get to keep your remaining natural teeth with dental implants

Dental implants can help you keep your other natural teeth since there won’t be any need to remove teeth to make room for prosthetic bridgework. A competent dental surgeon will know the best way to attach the dental implants, especially if there are a lot of natural teeth left. Once the surgery is done and you are healed from the surgical wounds, no one will be able to tell that you actually had dental implants put in.

Can Dental Implants Truly Last A Lifetime?

Depending on when you got a dental implant, the type of dental implant, your oral health, and your habits, dental implants can last a lifetime. This applies to older individuals mostly. If you had a dental implant earlier in life, you could expect your implant to last a solid 25 years. This is only possible when you maintain your oral health and avoid activities and habits that pose risks to the implant. You will also need to visit your dentist regularly to ensure that the implant is healthy and functioning normally.

What Are The Major Factors That Affect The Lifespan Of Dental Implants?

As stated already, several factors affect the lifespan of dental implants. Here are the most important ones you need to know about:

The Type of Dental Implant

The type of dental implant you get will play a significant role in how long it will serve before needing a replacement or second surgery. After years of development, dental implants are now made of biocompatible titanium, a strong, durable metal. Titanium implants also integrate with the bone of your jaw through a process referred to as osseointegration. Depending on the implant's quality and how well it integrates with your bone, the implant can stay for years without any issue at all. The size of the implant/implants and how they are grafted can also affect longevity.

The Position of the Implant

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Some studies have indicated that the position of a dental implant has a role to play in how long it can last. There may be a significant difference in the longevity of the same type of dental implants placed in the maxillary (upper jaw) and those placed in the mandible (lower jaw). There are indications that those placed in the lower jaw may last longer. Again, it is likely that implants for a single missing tooth may not last as long as a robust implant that supports two or more artificial crowns.

Your Oral Health

Your oral health has a significant impact on how long a dental implant will last. Ideally, your oral health is a determining factor in your suitability for a dental implant. Extensive bone loss in the jaw, for instance, may mean that you do not qualify as a dental implant candidate. Some candidates may also require minor procedures like bone augmentation, sinus lift, and a ridge expansion before the actual dental implant. Such oral health issues may also shorten the lifespan of a dental implant, necessitating a revisit or another procedure after a given period. Keeping your oral health at a top-level will help improve the lifespan of your dental implant.

The Success of the Dental Implant Procedure

Depending on how successful the dental implant was in the first instance, it can last several years. Usually, dentists determine bone density before carrying out the procedure. The survival rate of the implant will also depend heavily on bone density. The expertise of the dentist and how well he performed the surgery can also play a role. This is why it is always important to work with some of the very best dentists in your area. A very successful dental implant with no complication is more likely to last longer.

Your Habits

Your habits after a dental implant procedure will also determine how long it will last. Thankfully, dental implants are pretty easy to maintain. You need to take care of them just as you would take care of normal teeth. After a dental implant, you need to up your dental hygiene. It would be best if you also quit bad habits that will likely affect your oral health like smoking, teeth grinding, and jaw clenching.

How Can You Prolong The Lifespan Of Your Dental Implant?

As stated in the paragraph above, your oral habits will affect the longevity of your dental implant. Here are important steps you can take to prolong the life of your dental implant:

Proper Rushing Of Teeth

You need to brush twice daily. You also need to use the right toothbrush and toothpaste. Most dentists will advise that you use soft toothbrushes and non-abrasive toothpaste.

Flossing Daily

Flossing helps to minimize the chances of gum diseases and should be part of your daily oral hygiene. Non-waxed ribbon floss is recommended for individuals who have had dental implants.

Watching What You Chew

You have to be careful of what you chew if you want your dental implant to last. Very hard food or substance can dislodge an artificial crown on the dental implant. You should also avoid sticky food, sugary gum, and anything that can affect your gum negatively.

Taking Good Care Of Your Gum

Gum health is critical to the longevity of your dental implant. You need to take care of your gum and keep plaque and bacteria under control. The tissues surrounding the dental implants are generally prone to inflammation, and you need to avoid that as much as possible.

Keeping To Your Dental Appointments

You need to visit your dentist at least twice every year to maintain your oral health. Now that you have had a dental impact and want it to last as long as possible, you should never skip your dental appointment. Your dentist will monitor the implant regularly and give you instructions that will help you maintain excellent oral hygiene.

Dental implants are unarguably the best solutions for teeth replacement. They are aesthetically great and long-lasting, too. We have discussed how long they can last and how you can help to prolong their lifespan. Follow the instructions diligently and visit your dentist regularly to keep your dental implants in excellent condition and improve your overall dental health.

Final Takeaway

Losing your permanent teeth can be traumatizing because other people may laugh and talk about it, even in front of you. The good news is that dental implants are now available so you may inquire with your dentist about it. Dental implants, when implanted the right way by a dental surgeon, are often almost impossible to tell apart from your remaining natural teeth. This helps you feel more confident, talk more fluently, and even eat without incident so that your self-esteem will definitely improve. Ask your dentist about dental implants and how these can improve your quality of life now.

Do You Need Dental Implants in Calgary? Contact Glenbrook Dental Today!

Contact us today at Glenbrook Dental Centre to schedule an appointment for your dental implant procedure. Our certified, professional dentists will examine you and determine if the dental implant procedure is right for you. We will offer you an affordable, compassionate dental implant in Calgary, tailored to your dental needs. We guarantee you quality and excellent services that give 100% client satisfaction.