How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants are a great fix for one or more missing teeth. They can complete your smile and restore mouth function. Without them, the bone where the tooth was will begin to decay and affect the surrounding teeth.
But, how long do dental implants last? Our dentist in Point Pleasant, NJ has plenty of experience with dental implants and he’s here to answer all of your questions!
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
If you properly clean and care for your dental implants, they can last a lifetime. They are made of titanium, which is strong and resistant to corrosion. The implants themselves can last at least 25 years. With regular maintenance, they can last your entire lifetime!
The artificial tooth that attaches to the implant, called a dental crown, will generally last between 10 and 20 years. So, while you will likely need to replace your dental crowns every once in a while, dental implants are still one of the longest-lasting tooth replacement options.
What Are Dental Implants?
The phrase “dental implant” is commonly used to describe all the pieces that go into restoring your smile as one. Three parts that make up an endosteal implant.
Implant
The dental implant is a threaded titanium rod that gets screwed into your bone. Endosteal implants are hollow and have threading on the inside as well. This allows for the abutment to screw into it. An implant works by fusing to the supporting bone and acting as an artificial root to hold the abutment and crown in place.
Abutment
The abutment is a screw-like piece of hardware that attaches the implant to the crown.
Crown
Dental crowns are artificial teeth that go over the top of your dental implant to restore your natural smile.
When we help patients with dental crowns at our office in Point Pleasant, NJ, we like to use porcelain dental crowns. They’re much stronger and more natural-looking than other tooth restoration options.
Factors That Influence Dental Implant Longevity
There are several reasons a dental implant might fail. You can practice good habits to prolong the life of your implant, but some things are simply out of your control. Fortunately, the dental implant procedure works by taking you through an evaluation before the process can proceed.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is one of the top reasons your dental implant can fail. Several things can lead to it or increase your chances of developing it.
Among these are:- Poor oral hygiene
- Tobacco use
- Certain medications
- Hormonal changes
Insufficient Bone
If you have bone loss from gum disease, you will likely need a bone graft before receiving a dental implant.
While existing low bone density will be detected during your initial exam, it may not become a problem until later in life.
Low bone density can be caused by:- Some medications for blood clots, cancer, and autoimmune diseases.
- Aging
- Periodontal disease
- Malnutrition
- Excess alcohol consumption
- Medical complications such as rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are the most popular method of tooth replacement, and for good reason. They have many benefits over other options and look great.
Other benefits include:- Natural look
- Sturdy
- Can last a lifetime
- High success rate
- Easy to clean
- Prevent deterioration of your jaw bone
- Improve confidence
- Helps to retain surrounding teeth
- Improves speech
Can Dental Implants Fail?
Yes — dental implants are safe, but no medical procedure is 100% successful. Dental implants can fail for any number of reasons. The most common reasons implants fail are:
- Implant misalignment
- Infection of the procedure site
- Bone rejects the implant
- Inflammatory reaction/Foreign body rejection
- Gum disease
- Preexisting conditions such as cancer
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
While implants can last a lifetime, the dental crowns that go on top of implants typically need replacing after 10 to 20 years. This happens because they wear down and become damaged from constant use. Fortunately, a new crown can be fit to the existing implant.
Dental Implants in Point Pleasant, NJ
If you need to replace one or more teeth, consider getting dental implants at Point Pleasant’s own Coastal Dental. It’s a great solution to complete your smile so you can regain your confidence while preventing some problems down the road. Call us today, or book an appointment online!
About the Author
Dr. Joseph Zicchino provides a wide array of cosmetic dentistry services, including Invisalign® Clear Aligners, at his practice in Point Pleasant, NJ. He earned his dental degree from NYU Dental School and established Coastal Dental Group in 2004. For more information call (732) 714-1030 or to schedule an appointment!