If you're in need of dental implants, you're likely wondering how long they will last. Fortunately, we have the answer to your question.

According to one 2019 survey, over half of all Americans feel insecure about their teeth. Crooked teeth, discoloration, and receding gums were common complaints. However, there's one thing that's even worse for your smile: missing teeth.

If you've lost one or more teeth, you may be desperate for a solution that can restore your smile. That's where dental implants can help! These functional, durable, and natural-looking solutions are a great way to feel more comfortable about your appearance.

Like most patients, you'll want to balance the look of these prosthetics with their lifespan. How cost-effective are dental implants? How long will your investment last?

Read on to learn why dental implants are a smart move for anyone seeking a permanent tooth replacement.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

The good news is that dental implants can last a lifetime, depending on how old you are when you get these prosthetics. On average, implants will last anywhere from 15-30 years. There are no other tooth replacement solutions that last as long.

Implants are long-lasting because their materials are so durable.

These artificial teeth have several parts: an artificial tooth root (called a "post"), an abutment, and a crown.

The post is always made of titanium, a durable and biocompatible material. This allows the post to fuse with the jawbone, forming a bond that can last for decades.

The abutment is the piece of the implant that connects the post and crown. These come in a variety of materials, though titanium is a popular choice for its strength. Other options include gold and zirconium dioxide.

Last is the crown. This part of the implant needs to match the look of your natural teeth, which is why few crowns use pure titanium. Instead, the crown is often ceramic or porcelain fused to metal (PFM), though you can also get composite resin or zirconia crowns.

All of these materials are durable and can resemble your natural tooth enamel. However, they are not as durable as titanium. For this reason, the crown of your implants may not last as long as the rest of the structure.

On average, the crown of your implants will last around 10-15 years. After this time, you may start to notice wear and tear on the chewing surface of the artificial tooth.

Fortunately, your dentist doesn't have to replace the entire implant. Instead, they will replace only the crown. This is a simple and cost-effective measure, and it's nowhere near as invasive as the oral surgery for your implants.

How Can You Lengthen Your Implants' Lifespan?

Your dental implants can last a lifetime, but that doesn't mean they will, especially if you don't take care of them! There's plenty you can do to preserve your implants and minimize your risk of implant failure.

Maintain Your Oral Hygiene

Your implants may be prosthetics, but they still need regular cleaning. Over time, plaque that builds on the surface of your prosthetics can lead to decay and gum disease in the surrounding teeth. Warning signs of this include bleeding of the gums around the implant and minor swelling, similar to what you'd see with gingivitis.

Unlike most dentures, implants don't need in-depth cleaning. You can preserve your teeth by cleaning your implants in the same way you clean your natural teeth. Brush at least twice every day, and floss once per day.

Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks

As we've noted, your implants are tough. However, that doesn't mean they can stand up to all types of foods!

Right after your procedure, your dental surgeon will probably recommend avoiding crunchy, hard, hot, sugary, and sticky foods. This can help you avoid chewing difficulties. Even after you've recovered, you may still want to avoid hard candy and nuts, which can sometimes damage the crown.

It's also a good idea to avoid staining foods like coffee, red wine, and tea. These drinks may not damage your implants, but they can discolor the crown with enough exposure. Brush your teeth after drinking to avoid this.

Address Tooth Grinding

If you grind your teeth, you'll want to address this issue to preserve your implants. Grinding your implant crowns against your other teeth can cause the crowns to degrade or even fracture over time. Work with your dentist to address grinding with solutions like a custom mouthguard.

Get Regular Checkups

Don't forget about routine checkups! Getting a checkup at least once every six months gives our team at Finger Lakes Family Dental the chance to inspect your implants for potential issues and spot any conditions that could put these prosthetics at risk.

What Can Cause Implant Failure?

In some cases, you may experience complications that lead to implant failure. If you notice pain, discomfort, or gum inflammation around the implant, it's important to reach out to your dental surgeon at once. The same is true if your implant feels loose.

In addition to poor care and hygiene, there are a few common culprits that drive up your risk of complications or implant failure:

Poor implant positioning, especially when it leads to nerve damage
Poor initial dental impressions
Failed osseointegration, or the merging of the post with the jawbone
Jawbone loss
Smoking and use of tobacco products
Medical conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disorders

If an implant fails, your dentist may have to remove and replace it, unless the reason for failure is bone loss. If you are unable to undergo dental surgery again, they may recommend other solutions for missing teeth.

Visit an Expert Implant Dentist in Corning

With expert placement and proper care, you can enjoy your new dental implants for decades to come. These teeth replacements continue to be the best tooth replacement solution for the vast majority of patients. Work with an experienced dentist to see whether they're right for you!

If you're looking for a permanent and beautiful way to replace one or more missing teeth, earn back your smile with dental implants from Finger Lakes Family Dental. Dr. Marzo, our experienced oral surgeon, is proud to provide expert care, aftercare, and maintenance every time. To create the functional smile you've always wanted, book your consultation today .

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