Permanent prosthetics are quickly becoming one of the most popular ways to replace missing teeth. With millions of Americans enjoying their many benefits, it’s easy to see why permanence, improved functionality, and longevity are outshining the competition. But exactly how long do dental implants last? To answer this question and explain what you can do to extend their lifespan, hear from a local oral surgeon who has helped countless individuals take back their smiles.
What is the Average Lifespan of Dental Implants?
When considering the lifespan of your dental implants, it’s important that you understand the different parts of your prosthetics. There are three – the post, the abutment, and the restoration. Generally, the titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone is designed to last a lifetime. That is if you commit to taking proper care of it. This means you must maintain good oral hygiene and avoid unhealthy habits like smoking, eating ice, or using your teeth as tools.
The abutment and restoration are unlikely to last as long simply because they are not fused with the bone. An abutment can come loose over time, and your restoration (i.e., crown, bridge, or denture), will naturally sustain normal wear and tear. As a result, you can expect to need a replacement for your restoration after 10-15 years.
Ways to Enjoy Your New Teeth For Longer
Although it’s extremely rare to experience dental implant failure, it can happen. Initial placement of these permanent prosthetics has a 95% success rate; however, if peri-implantitis, which is similar to gum disease, develops, or facial trauma occurs, it can spell disaster for your dental implants. This is why you’ll want to invest in a customized mouthguard to protect your new teeth while playing sports. These are also helpful if you are prone to grinding your teeth at night while you sleep.
Other ways to extend the lifespan of your dental implants include:
- Staying on top of your oral hygiene routine
- Avoiding unhealthy habits that can damage the restoration as well as the implant post
- Eating a diet full of nutrient-rich foods, as this will minimize the potential for tooth decay, which can form on nearby healthy teeth, as well as gum disease
- Keeping your six-month dental checkups and cleanings with your dentist to ensure your prosthetics are in good shape
Choosing to replace your missing teeth with dental implants is a decision you will not regret. If you want to ensure they last as long as possible, make sure to follow these tips to help extend their lifespan.
About the Author
Dr. Ryan Sterk is an oral surgeon in Albuquerque who earned his DDS degree from the University of Colorado. Receiving countless awards, he completed a one-year internship in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the University of Pennsylvania before continuing at Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein School of Medicine in New York. Specializing in various aspects of oral and maxillofacial surgery, he can provide intricate dental implant treatments to help rebuild patients’ smiles and restore their confidence. If you are missing one or more teeth and would like to learn about dental implants, contact us at (505) 881-7373.