How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Looking to replace your missing teeth without damaging the ones you have left?
Would you like to resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space?
Would you like a more secure & comfortable solution than bridges or dentures?
Say no more – dental implants are here to help.
They’re the next best thing to natural teeth.
So, how long do dental implants last?
A reasonable question to ask, and on to a thorough-enough answer we go.
But first, let’s take a look at what they actually are.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are replacement tooth roots – it’s as simple as that.
They’re artificial teeth that are made to look and feel just like natural teeth.
There are three parts to a dental implant:
- Crown;
- Abutment;
- Titanium post.
The synthetic post is placed into the jaw to replicate a natural tooth root.
Then, the post is topped with an abutment and a custom-made crown to restore your smile’s function and look.
The end result is that quality dental implants are indistinguishable from real teeth.
But do they last as long as real teeth?
Well, with good care – yes, with ease!
More on that down below.
Will My Dental Implants Last for Long?
Dental implants are designed to be a permanent solution to tooth loss.
So, provided you show them enough love, dental implants can last between 20 and 30 years.
Having said that, different factors can reduce dental implants’ lifespan, including:
- General oral health;
- Irresponsible lifestyle choices;
- Certain medical conditions;
- Injury or damage;
- The specific teeth replaced (and their location).
Excessive smoking, heavy drinking, the usual suspects – all can make dental implants give out before long. So, make sure you avoid those (like you haven’t heard that one before, right?).
Without healthy gums and a dense-enough jawbone, the titanium root might not fuse successfully, so good oral hygiene is essential.
Likewise, conditions like diabetes and a weakened immune system can have a negative impact on dental implants’ lifespan as well. So, if you’re able to, get a grip on those.
The ceramic they’re made from is tough but not indestructible, meaning that enough pressure and force might make a noticeable dent in them or even crack the implant wide open. Be careful with those shiny new implants if you want them to last.
And, last but not least, different teeth have different functions and roles in regard to chewing, eating, biting, and speaking. So, make sure you don’t put excess stress on those teeth that are doing all the heavy lifting.
Five Quick Facts About Dental Implants
Not convinced yet? Here are five fun facts about dental implants that just might change your mind:
1. Dental implants are as old as time
Almost. While the current, titanium and titanium alloy implants are quite recent, go back at least 4000 years. In ancient China, sometime around 2000 BCE, missing teeth were replaced with bamboo.
2. People used to buy other people’s teeth
Insane, right? Yet, during dental implants’ early days (think years from 1500 to 1800 CE), patients who wanted to replace missing teeth would buy loose teeth from poor people or take them from cadavers. To no one’s surprise, these ‘implants’ seldom worked.
3. Forget about cavities
Unlike natural teeth, dental implants cannot pick up cavities. So, once you have implants, you can forget about fillings and tooth pain (of course, we’re talking about the implants: the remaining natural teeth can still get cavities).
4. More common than you think
Much more. Close to 70% of adults in the US are missing at least one tooth. So it should come as no surprise that over three million people have dental implants, with more than 500,000 getting implants each year.
5. They might make you look younger
Sounds a little out there but, in fact, missing teeth always lead to sunken cheeks, making you look less youthful. When replacing missing teeth with dental implants you make sure your smile doesn’t disappear into a frown.
Need Dental Implants in North Carolina?
Dental implants look indistinguishable from natural teeth, last a lifetime, protect existing teeth, and are easily the most secure and reliable dental restoration out there.
That’s why they’re the #1 recommended restoration for missing teeth.
And, as long as you live in North Carolina (or feel like paying the beautiful Old North State a visit), we got you covered!
Schedule a consultation today and we’ll help you figure out whether dental implants are the right choice for you.
Or:
- Call us at Charlotte/Harrisburg 704-496-9001
- Call us at Concord 704-368-1700
- Email us at office@mcneelyfamilydentistry.com
McNeely and Mallette Family Dental Group is located in North Carolina…Click to open a new window to Google Maps…, including Charlotte, Harrisburg, and Concord. We happily welcome patients from all over.
