Are you considering getting one or more dental implants? As far as replacement teeth are concerned, dental implants are the gold standard. When placed correctly with the proper preparation and precision, dental implants can last for a lifetime.
If you’re wondering whether a dental implant is worth the cost, keep in mind that you are making what is most likely a lifelong investment in your oral health. Other tooth replacement options do not have as long of a life expectancy and lack some other benefits of implants.
The Average Life Expectancy of Dental Implants
How long do dental implants last? On average, dental implants can last anywhere from 15 to 30 years. This means that if you are at or above the average age for dental implants (52), there is a good chance, you will have that implant for the rest of your life.
The reason dental implants last so long is that, when properly placed, they are extremely secure. An implant consists of a biocompatible titanium post that is implanted in the jawbone with a crown attached to the top. The implant root bonds with the jawbone to form a solid hold that looks and functions as closely as possible to a natural tooth.
Factors That Affect How Long a Dental Implant Lasts
How long your implant lasts within that range depends on a few factors, such as:
- – Bone Density. A dental implant requires sufficient bone density or thickness to be securely placed. If a tooth has been missing or loose for a while, the jaw bone that once held it in place starts to weaken and will eventually dissolve. An implant that is placed in a weak or thin bone will likely fail and either come loose or cause other problems.
- During a dental implant evaluation, X-Rays images are taken of the jaw to determine if the bone is strong enough to support an implant. If not, a bone graft can sometimes be done to strengthen the bone. In a bone graft procedure a piece of bone, either from another bone on the patient’s body, an artificial bone, or a lab-treated animal bone, is surgically placed over the existing jaw bone to thicken it and encourage regeneration of the existing bone.
- – Oral Hygiene. After a dental implant is placed, it is important to maintain adequate oral hygiene. With a dental implant you can brush and floss your teeth the same as you would your natural teeth, and doing so is extremely important. If you develop gum disease or the teeth on either side of the implant start to decay, it can cause the implant to come loose or become infected.
- – Accuracy of Placement. It is extremely important for your dental implant to be placed accurately. Therefore, it is important to choose a dentist with plenty of experience with dental implant procedures. You should also ask your dentist what technology they used to ensure your dental implant will be placed at the right depth and angle. This can make all the difference in how long your dental implant will last.
Additional Benefits of Dental Implants Over Other Tooth Replacement Options
Their longevity is just one of the many benefits of dental implants as a tooth replacement option. When compared with a bridge, a dental implant is better in every way. The only advantage a bridge has over a dental implant is that it costs less.
A bridge requires the healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth to be ground down and fitted with crowns that suspend the artificial tooth between them. This puts strain on the healthy teeth that can eventually lead to damage.
A bridge also sits above the gum line, which means the bone underneath will still weaken and dissolve. A dental implant, however, keeps the jaw bone strong and viable, allowing it to last longer.
Dental Implants From Savannah Dental Solutions Last for the Long Haul
How long do dental implants last? When you have the procedure done at Savannah Dental Solutions, you can expect it to last for the prominent part of the average range of 15-30 years and probably longer. We apply our knowledge and experience to place your dental implant accurately so it will most likely stay solidly in place for the rest of your life.
Call (912) 354-1366 today to schedule a consultation or contact us. We look forward to providing you with the gold standard in tooth replacement technology.
