You may have already heard about dental implants being the top tooth replacement choice for dentists. They can last you a lifetime and prevent getting bridge fixes or denture replacements.
But do dental implants really last you the rest of your life?
We want to help you make the right choice for filling empty teeth and save money in the long run on oral hygiene.
Our team has information about how long dental implants last and what causes them to deteriorate so you can know the truth.
The Life Expectancy of Dental Implants
When a dentist cement implants into your jawbone, they fully expect it to last the rest of your life. No matter how old you are, the tooth replacement solution should in theory hold up with healthy teeth and gum conditions.
We recommend keeping up with a dentist for cleanings every 3-6 months if you have 1 or more implants. They can prevent periodontal disease and clean your mouth of any infectious bacteria that could deteriorate the implant-dental crown combo.
Dental implants permanently restore your smile and fill in voids with natural-looking crowns. Others won’t be able to tell the difference and you can be proud of your teeth for the rest of your days.
What Factors Affect Whether a Dental Implant will Fail
As dental implants have progressed over the past since 1985, a majority do not fail on their own. It is a patient’s responsibility to keep up with dental hygiene and they can shift or break from poor care and other factors.
Taking care of a dental implant involves caring for yourself and your body. So there’s no reason to fear one failing, whether in the front of the mouth or the back.
Lack of Care and Maintenance
You can refuse proper care to your mouth by not brushing and flossing daily, which causes detriment to the implant.
Allowing bacteria to build up under and around the implant and natural teeth means a shorter lifespan and lower-quality oral health overall.
Not Enough Jawbone
A dental professional assesses whether you have enough bone in your jaw to support an implant. Without enough cartilage, they have no place to drill and cement it in.
An alternative is performing ridge modification or sinus augmentation surgery to add jawbone for an installation site.
Smoking
Smoking prevents blood from flowing into the implant drill site. Rather than heal during the several-month process, you’re inviting potential gum disease into the entire mouth.
Medical Conditions
Osteoporosis, diabetes, bleeding disorders, and a weakened immune system are only a few medical issues that decrease the life expectancy of implants.
An Inexperienced Dentist
Surgeons without that much experience can drill and cement the implant incorrectly. By causing tissue trauma during placement, creating an implant size that’s off, and other mistakes, you can carry a defective solution in your mouth.
Dental implants vs. other tooth replacement options
For a lifetime tooth replacement option, dental implants are the way to go, even if the average price is more at the start. You’ll have to replace even the best bridges every 5-7 years and dentures every 7-10 years.
Our team believes in preventative dental solutions that save you the most money in the long run. Dentures and bridges may be cheap up front, but they’ll cost thousands in maintenance from common breaks and wear and tear.
On the other hand, caring for your mouth and body affect how long dental implants last. They are a full-proof way to bring your brilliant smile to work and with your family and not be embarrassed.
The longevity of dental implants will carry you for the long term and not fail for over 25 years (and for the rest of most patients’ lives).
Get Your Best Smile Back with a Professional
Most patients we see have been devastated by not being able to chew normally or eat their favorite foods again. They’ve even had full dentures fall out at the worst times, reminding them how ashamed they are of their smile.
We understand this pain and provide dental implants that replace missing teeth and give you peace of mind for a lifetime.
Dr. Nathan Smith, our dental professional, does everything in-house and saves you thousands from outsourcing to a surgeon. He can even do regular dental cleanings, teeth whitening, cosmetic dentistry, mini implants, and more.
If you want the cheapest implant possible and are ready to restore your smile forever, give our team a call. We’ll be glad to set up an appointment and answer any of your questions at (480)-838-3033.
The statements on this blog are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The author of the blog is contracted third-party writer. East Valley Dental Professionals LLC does not in any way guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any message and will not be held responsible for the content of any message. Always consult your dentist or your other personal physicians for specific medical advice.
Have a question about your smile?
Dr. Smith and our Dobson Ranch team can talk through your options at your next visit.
