Longevity of Dental Implants
Portland, OR
 Thanks to their aesthetics, function and other dental health benefits, dental implants have become a highly popular option for replacing lost teeth. However, many people have questions regarding their longevity. How long do dental implants last?
To better understand how dental implants work, we should first attempt to understand how they’re made. A dental implant has three main parts:
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The implant itself is a titanium post that we surgically insert in the patient’s jaw bone. It serves as the root for the crown.
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The abutment is connected to the implant and is used to secure the crown in place.
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The crown is a tooth made of porcelain or another material that is attached to the abutment and has the appearance of a natural tooth. |
The crown and the part of the abutment that is exposed is typically more subject to harm than the actual implant.
How long do Dental Implants last?
Because implants have the appearance and function of normal teeth, you can brush and floss them as you normally would. If you brush and floss the implants twice a day, come in for check-ups once every six months, and avoid damaging them, they can last for at least twenty-five years. The crowns, on the other hand, usually last between ten and fifteen years before the tooth needs replacement. But if you take great care of the crowns, they can last longer than that.
The location of the implant in the mouth is another factor that will affect the longevity of the implant. If it is placed toward the back of the mouth, it will experience more strain from chewing and can thus fall out more readily than implants placed at the front of the mouth.
How do Dental Implants compare to other Tooth Replacement Options?
Dental implants are built to last and have become the gold standard in tooth replacement. Unlike dentures, the more conventional option, an implant acts as a natural tooth and thus gives adequate support. Because of that, you can chew and bite with your implants without them slipping or loosening.
Since dental implants are connected to your interior jaw bone, they are not prone to decay and don’t push on nearby teeth. Dental bridges cause both problems rather often.
When do Dental Implants Fail?
Because dental implants resemble natural teeth so closely, you must take care of them by brushing and flossing twice a day. If you actively care for them, your dental implants will prove lasting and reliable. Interestingly enough, dental technology has evolved so much in recent years that implants rarely fail due to rejection or issues of functionality. However, there are some factors to note which can lead to implants failing prematurely.
Among these factors are the patient’s lifestyle, oral hygiene, and overall health. Pre-existing medical conditions, such as diabetes, cancer or other diseases, can lead to a higher risk of implant failure. Improper implant care also causes them to fail. For example, cases of extremely poor care can lead to gum disease, which also hinders an implant’s longevity.
For more information, please contact our office at (503) 446-6776.
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