How Long do Dental Implants Last?

If you’re missing one or more teeth, you know the toll it can take on your confidence. But that’s not the only issue associated with missing teeth. 

Without prompt replacement, even a missing tooth can throw off your bite balance, causing excess tooth wear, facial and jaw discomfort, and an increased risk of eventual tooth loss. Lost teeth can even change your facial shape, making you look older than your years.  

Dentures and bridges are options for replacing missing teeth, but in recent years, dental implants have become especially popular. Implants — designed like natural teeth — can be a more comfortable, secure solution for many patients.

Still, implants may not be as well-known as dentures and bridges, leaving many wondering about their durability and longevity. In this post, Dr Taylor’s Family Dental Center team provides the answer, so you can decide if implants are a good choice for your needs.

Dental implants and durability

Dental implants feature a metal post embedded in your jawbone. The post acts like a tooth root to provide stability when chewing and biting, fusing with your bone tissue.

Once the post fuses with your bone, we attach the artificial tooth or crown, shaped and tinted to blend beautifully with your natural teeth. Implant posts can also attach a row of teeth to replace all your upper or lower teeth.

Patients love implants for their added security and because they look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Implants cost more than dentures or bridges, so it’s natural to wonder how long your investment will last. 

The good news is that the unique design of implants supports long-term durability. Implants are so durable that they can last a lifetime with proper care (just like natural teeth). That said, there are a few factors that can influence implant stability.

For example, poor oral hygiene habits can lead to gum disease that weakens implant posts, leading to failure. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can cause gum problems, too. 

Maximizing the life of your implants

Fortunately, there are some simple steps to keep your implants in good shape so they provide you with a lifetime of beautiful smiles.

Good oral hygiene

Your implants may be “artificial,” but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to care for them — and for the gums and other tissues that support them. Twice-daily brushing and daily flossing are essential for protecting gum health and preventing gum disease and infections that could weaken your implants.

Regular dental visits

Twice-yearly dental checkups are essential, too. These visits ensure your gums are healthy and your implants are sound and stable. Professional cleanings protect your gums and remove plaque and biofilms that can collect on your implants (and natural teeth, too).

Watching out for hard foods

Implants are durable, but like natural teeth, they can chip or fracture when confronted by tough substances. Don’t chew on ice, be cautious with candies and other hard foods, and never use your teeth as tools.

Wearing a night guard

Nighttime grinding and clenching put a lot of strain on your natural teeth and on your implants, as well. Consider wearing a night guard to protect your teeth and implants from excess pressure and stress if you grind or clench your teeth.

Quitting smoking

Smoking isn’t just bad for your heart and lungs; it’s not good for your gums either. If you smoke, consider quitting to protect your implants and your natural teeth while reducing your risks of gum disease and cancer.

Long-term investment in better oral health

Dental implants can restore your bite balance, appearance, and confidence. Call Dr. Taylor’s Family Dental Center in Waterford, Michigan, today at 248-681-8100 or request an appointment online to learn more about implants and how they can provide you with a lifetime of beautiful smiles.