If you have had dental implants recommended, you may wonder how long you can expect them to last. While every patient’s situation is unique, generally, the implant should last indefinitely, and the crown of the dental implant can last anywhere from 10 to 15 or more years before needing to be replaced. Dental implants last the longest of all the options available for tooth replacement.
What Factors Affect How Long Dental Implants Last?
Poor hygiene can lead to gum disease, damaging the gums and jawbone. Plaque can accumulate in the area around the implant. Left untreated, disease will eventually cause dental implants to fail. Gum disease is preventable with regular oral hygiene, which consists of flossing once daily and brushing at least twice daily. The advantage of dental implants, as opposed to dentures and dental bridges, is that no separate cleaning maintenance is needed. Brush and floss the same way you take care of all the rest of your natural teeth.
Another important factor in the longevity of dental implants is their location in the mouth. Your molars, or the teeth in the back of the mouth, are more actively involved in chewing than the teeth in the front of the mouth and, as such, are more likely to wear out faster. Depending on your age, the implant will last the rest of your life, or perhaps you will need a crown replacement at some point – similar to what many people experience with their natural teeth.
Taking Care of Your Dental Implants
The most significant factor in how long dental implants last is how you take care of them. Good oral hygiene (brushing twice daily and flossing once daily) is crucial because it keeps the teeth and tissue surrounding and supports the implant in a healthy condition. Smoking is detrimental to overall health and gum health because it restricts blood flow in the vessels in the gums.
Keeping regular dentist appointments is another key factor. When you visit your dentist every six months, they can monitor your oral health and quickly spot any problems. Professional cleaning twice a year can prevent plaque build-up from becoming a major health issue.
Your overall well-being is connected to oral health, so eat and exercise regularly to keep your bones strong and healthy.
South Jersey Oral Surgeons at Lanzi Burke Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons Use State-of-the-Art Technology to Diagnose and Treat Patients
If you are considering dental implants, Lanzi Burke Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons can help. Our South Jersey oral surgeons use state-of-the-art technology to treat patients. Call 856-582-4222 or complete our online form to schedule a consultation. Located in Washington Township, Haddonfield, and Woolwich Township, New Jersey, we serve patients throughout South Jersey.