How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
A dental implant is a metal post that is inserted into the jaw to act as the “root” for an artificial tooth. Your dentist may have explained that implants are the best way to replace missing teeth and that they will save you from the side-effects of tooth-loss. Since these include degeneration of the jawbone and even more dental problems, an implant seems like the best solution. But how long can you expect your dental implants to last?
Remember to Distinguish Between Crown and Implant
Since you go for implants to get a replacement tooth, it’s all-too-easy to think of the whole replacement tooth as being an implant. However, the part you can see is not the implant, but the crown, which is in turn attached to an abutment on the implant itself.
So, to clarify: replacement tooth = implant + abutment + crown. Let’s look at what you can expect from these components’ longevity.
Lifespan of Implants
It’s just possible that implants could last a lifetime. The truth is that we don’t know. The type of implants we use today have been around for decades, and so far, it seems that a successful implant can continue working indefinitely if its properly cared for.
Premature implant failure is possible when people suffer from certain illnesses including diabetes and gum disease. Discuss any risk factors with your dentist.
Lifespan of Crown and Abutment
Since the crown does all the work your natural tooth would have done, it’s far more likely to fail than the implant. We usually estimate the lifespan of a crown at 10 to 15 years although some of our patients have maintained their crowns in good condition for longer.
Crowns at the back of the mouth experience the greatest pressure when chewing and are likely to wear out faster than crowns placed towards the front of the mouth. However, replacing the crown or the abutment is a straightforward process.
How to Care For Implants and Crowns
When you have crowns and dental implants, you don’t need to do anything special to take care of them – but you should also not neglect your regular oral hygiene routine. Implants can fail because of untreated gum disease, so consult your dentist if your gums seem red, swollen, or sensitive, and don’t miss your regular dental check-up appointments.
Get Specifics From your Dentist
When you and your dentist are considering implants as a way to replace a missing tooth, your dentist should enquire into your medical history and explain the process in detail. He or she will highlight any factors you should take into account before making a decision and should also explain tooth-replacement alternatives as well as their pros and cons.
From a general perspective, we can confidently say that implants are the best tooth replacement options available. Their convenience, longevity, oral health benefits, and natural aesthetics speak for themselves. If you would like to know whether dental implants will be the right choice for you, consult your dentist as soon as possible after tooth loss.
