Dental implants are designed to replace missing teeth by providing a base in the jaw to support a crown
that will look, feel, and function just like a natural tooth. This base is usually made from titanium and is
inserted into the jaw via surgery and creates a connector that will hold your tooth, or teeth, in place. Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care. What will influence the lifespan of your dental
implants?
Proper Dental Hygiene
Since dental implants function just like real teeth, you’ll need to care for them just as you would your natural teeth. This involves eating a healthy diet, brushing and flossing regularly to remove plaque and keep bacteria balanced, and visiting your dentist. People with excellent oral hygiene can have dental implants that will last for the rest of their lives. They’re meant to be a permanent solution to your missing teeth, and they’ll help you keep a natural appearance and functionality of your teeth. Proper dental hygiene ensures that you can keep your dental implants for life and not have to do another reinsertion of the titanium base.
Crown Replacement
Although your dental implants are designed to last for life, the crown that attaches to your dental implant may only last for fifteen years. If you have great dental hygiene and get regular checkups with your dentist, your crown could last well beyond fifteen years. Each person and their mouth is different.
You can expect your crown to last for an average of ten to fifteen years. After this, you may need to get a new crown for your dental implant to maintain the natural appearance and function of your teeth. Getting a crown replaced is not as intrusive as getting the actual dental implant, so this maintenance to your smile will be minor and keep you looking great for years to come.
Location
The location of the dental implant in your mouth could affect its lifespan. If you have a dental implant in the rear of your mouth, it’s likely that this implant will experience more wear and tear from grinding and chewing than an implant that was placed more in the front of your mouth. The crown that’s on your dental implant will get more usage back there and therefore it will probably need to be replaced sooner.
Check with your dentist to make sure you don’t grind your teeth unknowingly as well—this could place extra strain and wear on your crown and dental implant that’s unnecessarily damaging. Implant failures are not common, but if you have extra pressure on your teeth, it could affect your implant’s functioning as part of your mouth.
Dental implants are a great replacement for your natural teeth. They provide excellent support for your dental crown, and your crown is durable and will last for years if taken care of properly. Keep your dental implants functioning great for life by taking proper care of your mouth and getting checkups regularly.
