Do you have one or more missing teeth? Are you looking for a long-lasting way to replace your missing teeth? If so, then you may want to consider dental implants. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made from titanium that are implanted into the jawbone. While dental implants have a variety of benefits, one of the main benefits is their longevity.
On average, dental implants have been known to last around 20 years, however this number is increasing every day as implant technology improves. With an average lifespan of 20 years, dental implants are the most permanent restoration method for replacing missing teeth. In order to last this long, however, dental implants require two main things.
The first is patient adherence to post-operative guidelines. This is because once implants are placed in the jaw bone, they need around 3-6 months to fuse with the surrounding bone. This is known as osseointegration and it is an essential process that must occur for the implant to be considered successful. If the implant fails to integrate with the surrounding bone, then it will need to be removed. It is important to note that dental implants have a 98% success rate and implant failure is rare. Nevertheless to decrease the risk of implant failure, you must follow any and all guidelines provided to you by your dentist following your procedure.
The second way to ensure the longevity of your implant is to maintain good oral hygiene habits. Although dental implants are artificial tooth roots, they still require care just like natural teeth. Even though the implant itself cannot be affected by tooth decay, the gums and jawbones can be affected by excess bacteria in the mouth and can cause problems with the implant. Therefore you will need to be sure to brush twice a day, floss daily, and schedule dental cleanings every six months to control bacterial populations and preserve the implant.
Although following these two main guidelines will preserve your implant, it is very likely that the prosthetic attached to the implant will eventually need to be replaced. Luckily, this does not mean that you have to undergo the implant placement process again. Rather, the prosthetic is simply removed from the abutment and a new restoration is placed. This is possible because there are three pieces of an implant. The implant screw will stay in the jaw once it has fused, while the abutment and prosthetic can be easily and painlessly removed.
Overall, dental implants are the longest-lasting tooth replacement option with an average lifespan of about 20 years. However factors such as patient compliance, as well as continued dental hygiene, are essential practices to keep the implant in good condition. If well-taken care of, the implant should be able to remain in place even after the dental prosthetic has worn out and is need of removal. Therefore, if you are missing one or more teeth and are looking for a permanent restoration method, dental implants may be the best treatment for you.
Dr. Dokhanchi earned the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) with clinical honors in 1992. Dr. Dokhanchi attends numerous continuing education courses every year in order to stay current with the latest techniques and technology in the world of dentistry. He considers Ethics, Quality, Safety, and Comfort the pillars of his dental practice and believes that communicating with patients is essential to quality dental care.
