How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Choosing how to replace your missing teeth is a big decision. There are a variety of methods to pick from and important factors to consider. However, only one of them offers unmatched functionality, comfort, and appearance: dental implants. You’ve probably heard that they’re the longest-lasting tooth replacement option available, but just how long can you expect to enjoy your newly rebuilt smile? Read on if you’ve been asking yourself “How long do dental implants last?” The answer may surprise you!

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Dentures and dental bridges rely on your gums and remaining teeth for support. As your mouth inevitably changes shape over time, these traditional restorations lose their close fit and become unstable. Eventually, they’ll need to be replaced for the health and comfort of your mouth.

On the other hand, dental implants fuse directly with your jawbone to provide your new teeth a reliable and durable foundation. They’ll never become loose or ill-fitting, which means they should never need to be replaced. In fact, since they also prevent jawbone deterioration by stimulating blood flow, your mouth won’t change shape nearly as quickly as it would with other replacement options.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

This unique process of replacing a tooth both above and below the gumline is what gives a dental implant its lifespan. Integrating into the jawbone allows it to stay firmly in place for decades. However, if you care for your dental implant properly, you can easily expect it to last for a lifetime! Aside from its secure placement, each one is crafted from of high-quality, biocompatible materials for lasting success.

Can Dental Implants Fail?

Dental implants boast an overwhelming long-term success rate of over 95%, but there is the remote possibility of dental implant failure. Factors that increase your risk of failure include:

• Oral health conditions like gum disease.
• Poor oral hygiene and bad chewing habits.
• Smoking or chewing tobacco.

How Are Dental Implants Cared For?

Thankfully, you should be able to easily avoid dental implant failure with a few simple precautions. In fact, dental implants don’t require any special cleaning tools or products to keep them clean and healthy like dentures do. You simply need to take great care of them along with the rest of your smile! Remember to:

• Brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash daily.
• Don’t use your teeth as tools to open packages, containers, or bottles.
• See your dentist twice a year for regular checkups and cleanings.

You deserve to have a confident, complete smile for the rest of your life. If you’re interested in this life-changing treatment, talk to your Frisco dentist today to see if dental implants are right for you!

About the Author

Dr. Marcos Caballeros of On Point Dentistry has rebuilt countless smiles in Frisco, Carrollton, and the surrounding communities with the help of dental implants. Thanks to his completion of Baylor’s Advanced Education in General Dentistry post-doctoral program and over 500 hours of continuing education, he can provide his patients all the dental care they need under one roof. If you need dental implants, he can personally perform every step of your treatment instead of needing to refer you to an unfamiliar specialist. If you’re interested in replacing your missing teeth with this state-of-the-art service, he can be contacted via his website or at (469) 476-4092.