How long do dental implants last? That’s probably one of the biggest questions that will be on your mind during your initial dental implant consultation. After all, getting dental implants is a significant investment, and you want to be sure that it will be a worthwhile one over the long term. In the following post, your dentist in Lawrenceville outlines what you can expect the average dental implant lifespan to look like – as well as what you can do to help your implants last as long as possible.
How Long Do Dental Implants Normally Last?
Compared to other tooth replacement options, dental implants can stay in your mouth for a very long time. Traditional dentures and bridges normally have to be replaced after roughly 10 years. Meanwhile, dental implants have a lifespan of well over 25 years. In fact, many patients are able to keep the same implant posts for the rest of their lives!
Of course, for your dental implants to last that long, you’ll need to give them proper maintenance. Implant failure is rare, but it can happen if gum disease occurs around the implant posts and damages the tissues holding them in place. Thus, excellent oral hygiene is a must for extending the life of your new smile.
How Should You Take Care of Dental Implants?
Your dentist will give you several tips for maintaining your implants. In general, you should plan on:
- Brushing and flossing thoroughly twice a day to keep the area around your implants free of the bacteria that can cause gum disease.
- Staying away from hard or sticky foods that can potentially damage dental implants if you’re not careful while chewing them.
- Breaking habits like nail-biting and crunching ice that could eventually break your implants or the restoration(s) they support.
- Opening packages with scissors or another appropriate tool instead of with your mouth.
- Visiting your dentist at least twice a year so that they can identify and treat any problems with your implants as early as possible.
You’ll notice that the steps listed above are very similar to what you already do to protect your natural teeth. This makes caring for your dental implants very simple, which is part of the reason why they tend to last a long time.
The Long-Term Value of Implants
Because dental implants have such a long lifespan, you don’t have to worry about replacing them every few years. This means they can potentially save you a lot of money in the long run; more traditional tooth replacements may cost less upfront, but they also force you to pay for a new restoration more often.
Are you facing a future with missing teeth? Dental implants can give you a way to fill in the gaps for good. Talk to your dentist today to see if implants are the right choice for your unique smile.
About the Author
Dr. Bruce E. Carter earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine at the University of Florida College of Dentistry. Since graduation, he has completed over 1600 hours of advanced training in a variety of different fields, including implant dentistry and implant-retained dentures. At Transforming Smiles, he can complete the entire dental implant process in-house. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Carter, visit his website or call (770) 995-7616.