How Long Do Dental Implants Last? Let's Consider Their Lifespan
Getting dental implants to replace missing teeth can improve the appearance of your smile while restoring your ability to bite, chew, and speak. It’s a great investment in your oral health and overall well-being.
One of the questions we receive from people interested in dental implants is, “How long will these artificial tooth roots last?”
The team at the Smile Center here in Virginia Beach, VA, would like to offer further clarity on dental implant lifespans. We’ll also look at what could jeopardize the success and longevity of your dental implants, as well as how long a crown, bridge, or denture supported by implants can be expected to last.
Average Lifespan of Dental Implants
For most patients who take good care of their oral health, their dental implants will last a lifetime.
That’s right: once your dental implants are in place, they are there to stay.
This speaks to the many benefits of getting dental implants as well as the high levels of patient satisfaction when it comes to long-term results. This also speaks to the high-quality biocompatible materials used to create dental implants and the advanced techniques that modern dental professionals use when planning and implementing treatments.
What Issues Can Negatively Affect Implant Longevity?
Aside from physical trauma to the jawbone and implant site, here are three common problems that can put the lifespan of dental implants at risk.
- Poor Oral Hygiene - If you don’t brush and floss regularly or see your dentist for regular checkups, you run a major risk of developing oral health problems that could affect your dental implants.
- Gum Disease - Inflammation of the gum tissue can lead to the spread of infection to any remaining teeth as well as the jawbone itself. This increases the chances of implant failure.
- Peri-implantitis - Related to periodontal disease, peri-implantitis is a type of inflammation that specifically affects the hard and soft tissue surrounding a dental implant. The infection breaks down the surrounding tissues, which could cause an implant to become less stable.
Addressing Problems Before You Risk Implant Failure
The best way to avoid the above hazards is to visit the Smile Center in Virginia Beach. Regular cleanings can reduce the risk of implant failure. We can also answer any questions you may have as problems arise.
What About the Lifespan of Implant Restorations?
If you have dentures supported by dental implants, you’ll be pleased to know that the denture will last a while. With good care, an implant-supported crown, bridge, or denture will last about 10-15 years before they need to be replaced.
While dental implants themselves last a lifetime, the restorations they support are subject to natural wear and tear. Thankfully the replacement process is simple and straightforward. We can discuss this with you during a visit to our practice.
Learn More About Dental Implants
For more information on dental implants and whether or not they are right for you, contact our dental office in Virginia Beach. During a consultation, we can answer your questions and provide a breakdown of the cost of implant dentistry treatment.