How Long Does A Dental Implant Last?
Posted on: 22 January 2015
If you are not happy with how your teeth look, two options you'll likely consider are veneers and dental implants. While veneers have their advantages, if you would like a much more long-term solution, dental implants are the way to go. For some patients, dental implants last for the rest of their lives. But do dental implants often last forever? Read on to find out how long dental implants can last and what can affect the their durability.
Dental Implants are Intended to a Lifetime
Dental implants last much longer than any other dental prosthetic option. Many dental implants have lasted longer than 40 years. Because dental implants are relatively new, dentists do not fully know how long they can last, but believe that they should last for a patient's lifetime if the patient engages in proper oral hygiene. Fortunately, the oral hygiene that is necessary to keep one's dental implants includes the same techniques that most patients are familiar with: brushing and flossing.
Success Rates are High with Natural Bone
If you do not have enough bone in your jaw for a dental implant, your dentist can use a bone graft to provide a place for the implant to be inserted into your jaw. However, if you are having the dental implants inserted into your natural bone, the implants will be even less likely to fail.
The Crown Doesn't Always Last
The one part of the implant that is not designed to last a long time is the crown. Fortunately, a crown can be easily replaced by a new one when the old has worn out. The procedure is usually quick and easy.
You Can Eat Anything
What you eat does not have an impact on your dental implants, which is one of the main reasons that many prefer this procedure. You can even eat popcorn and hard nuts. However, if you want to reduce the risk of breaking your crown, you will not want to bite down too hard on anything. Just like a real life tooth, biting down on too hard a surface can break your crown. Fortunately, nothing can damage the implant itself.
Find the Right Prosthodontist
If you are considering getting dental implants, be sure to find a prosthodontist who has a lot of experience. The longevity of your dental implants are greatly affected by the quality of your prosthodontist. Also, be sure to choose a professional whom you have a good working relationship with because you will be communicating quite a bit through each stage of the process.
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