DENTAL IMPLANTS LONGEVITY
If you have lost one or more teeth, chances are that you are considering dental implants as a tooth replacement option. While it seems to present the most benefits you can think of, it may also come off as expensive, and you may be wondering how long or how well they will last. The answers to these questions are pretty simple, but there are factors that affect longevity. We frequently treat our tooth loss patients with dental implants at Amherst Village Dental, and we have provided this information about their longevity.
What Makes A Complete Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a prosthetic that is used to replace a complete tooth. They are long-term solutions that stay permanently in your mouth. For a complete dental implant, three parts are required: the implant post, an abutment, and a permanent artificial crown.
The implant post is a tiny rod, usually made with titanium. This part is what acts as the root of a tooth. It is surgically positioned in the jawbone and left to heal into place. The healing is an entire process on its own because this is when the jawbone grows around the titanium to bond and secure it in place.
To complete the lower half of the implant is an abutment. After the jawbone around the titanium post has completely healed, and the implant is secured, we proceed to place the abutment. This is a tiny fixture that is screwed to the implant post, so that the artificial crown can be held in place.
Once the abutment is placed and healed, the crown goes on. This is an artificial tooth, designed to simulate the missing tooth. It is usually created with materials that blend with your natural tooth. It is attached to the implant post through the abutment. Once all of these come together, a whole tooth is complete, hence a successful dental implant.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants do not only simulate a complete tooth, but they also feel like one. In fact, they feel so natural in your mouth that you may forget that it is not a real tooth. All of these factors combined with the fact that the implant is already rooted in your jawbone means that a dental implant can last about 25 years. Implants are meant to be permanent replacements, which means that with good care, they will last you a lifetime.
Factors That Influence Dental Implant Longevity
Since dental implants are just like your natural teeth, their longevity depends on how good your oral hygiene is. If you do not care for your teeth and implants, brushing and flossing them as required, or even getting scheduled dental checkups, you run the risks of shortening their lifespan. Moreover, your eating habits also contribute to the longevity of your implants. Bad habits such as teeth clenching, grinding, and even consumption of alcohol and tobacco can reduce the lifespan of your implant.
Finally, an implant that is poorly placed will have a shortened lifespan with accompanying complications. Therefore, ensuring that our trained professionals carry out your implant procedure is vital to a successful and long-lasting implant. So, if you are considering dental implants, speak to our experts at Amherst Village Dental by calling us at 603-769-8985 for more details.
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Don’t let failing and missing teeth keep you from feeling confident or from doing the things you love. Call us today at 603-673-5510 to invest into your health, your life, and your future.