How Long Do Dental Implants Last? Dallas, TX
With the help of modern dental technology, dental implants have become the preferred tooth replacement solution among both dentists and patients. Dental implants are able to effectively replicate the form and function of a natural tooth, mirror its appearance, and are easier to clean as a permanent solution than dentures.
Return office visits provide routine maintenance to ensure the stability of the dental implant. Additionally, proper dental care and maintenance allows dental implants to function for decades after they are placed. With the right knowledge, patients can ensure that their dental implants will last them a lifetime.
Dental Implants
To understand the longevity and stability of a dental implant, you must first understand the three parts that make up the standard dental implant: the crown, the abutment, and the implant post itself. The titanium post is inserted into the jaw, allowing the jawbone to fuse and anchor to the titanium screw. Because this part of the implant is embedded in the jaw, it should last you a lifetime without much difficulty.
The abutment and crown, however, are more exposed. While the implant screw may not need any maintenance, a crown may need to be replaced after some time. A crown that has been properly maintained can last up to 25 years before needing to be replaced.
Personal habits can also play a major role in how long your dental implants last. You should still maintain normal oral hygiene habits even with a dental implant by brushing and flossing twice a day. Continue making routine check-ups and cleaning appointments with your dentist. Smoking and drinking will also negatively affect the longevity and success of the implant. Our team always suggests cutting back or eliminating tobacco and alcohol completely, especially during the healing process.
Although they are less controllable, patients suffering from diabetes or other pre-existing conditions may see dental implant failure at a higher rate than average.
The location of the dental implant can also affect the likelihood of failure. On average, dental implants at the front of the mouth have a lower rate of failure than those at the back. Implants that are replacing lost canines or molars will see more use when chewing and eating, resulting in more force being placed upon them. Therefore, implants placed in the back of the mouth will fail more often.
The skill and experience of the surgeon placing the implant will also impact their longevity. A skilled dentist must properly and precisely place the implant screw during surgery to prevent complications and ensure successful retention of the implant. Our specialists at Dallas Oral Surgery Associates have placed thousands of dental implants and are well-versed in the precision required. During treatment, our doctors will further evaluate your progress to ensure your implant is placed without difficulty.
Thanks to advancements in modern dental implant technology, implant failure is rarely attributed to the implant itself. These developments have made dental implants a more reliable tooth replacement solution than ever. Today, improper hygiene, habits, and personal health issues often play the largest role in determining the longevity of a dental implant.
If you have further questions on how long dental implants can last or how to properly care for a dental implant, our office team can walk you through the answers. Give us a call at 214-363-9946 for more information. |