Dental Implants Explained: Exactly How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Read our dental implant reviews!

How long do dental implants last? On average, dental implants should last about 25 years. That is pretty good mileage, considering you'll probably only need dental implants on one tooth only once or twice in your lifetime.

Are you not sure what dental plants are? Then you're in the right place.

Before you go searching for dental implant reviews, read on. We've already told you the longevity of dental implants, but we'll tell you the benefits of an implant and more.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a type of tooth replacement. Generally speaking they're used if a person has a missing tooth or they need to have one removed due to health issues.

As the name suggests, dental implants can replace the old tooth and resume its original functions in things such as smiling, eating, and talking.

You may hear of all types of dental implants. However, the main two types include endosteal and subperiosteal.

The Components of a Dental Implant

A dental implant sounds pretty simple; just put an artificial tooth in and you're done. While the entire procedure can be simple, it's also not as easy as it sounds.

There are actually several components of a dental implant you should know about it. They are the implant itself, the abutment, and dental crowns. Find out more about each one below.

Implant

You might think of your implants as artificial teeth, but it's not really like that. Instead, the actual dental implants are what are called dental posts, usually made of titanium.

The implant either goes in the jawbone or on top of it, depending on the type of implant you get. This is what acts as the root or anchor for your dental crown (more on that later).

The reality is that getting dental implants doesn't just involve getting the actual implants installed into your mouth but also the associated elements to help keep your artificial teeth secure and working (and looking) as intended.

Abutment

You can consider the abutment to be the intermediary between your implant and crown. This is because your dentist places the abutment on your implant. Once it's anchored into the implant, then the abutment becomes the anchor/root for the dental crown.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are what make up the actual tooth replacement. If you want it to be inconspicuous, then the material used is usually ceramic or porcelain so it blends in with the rest of your teeth. However, dental crowns can also be made of silver, gold, or other metal alloys.

As you may have guessed, the dental crown is attached to the abutment for a secure hold. When most people imagine a dental implant, what they're actually imagining are these crowns. In reality, crowns are one small (but important) part of the process.

There are several benefits you can enjoy with dental implants. They include:

• Convenience
  
• Better smile
  
• Better speech
  
• Better comfort
  
• Better comfort
  

• Convenience

As a result of all these factors, you'll have improved self-esteem and won't feel as much shame or discomfort over your teeth anymore.

You might think "25 years" is the answer to the question "how long do dental implants last?". But the answer just isn't that simple; there are plenty of factors that can affect how long you have a dental implant.

Factors that have an impact on how long your dental implants last are:

• Your genetics
  
• Your pre-existing conditions (such as diabetes or cancer)
  
• Quality of dental hygiene
  
• Your diet
  
• The way you use your teeth

For the most part, if you take good care of your teeth, your dental implants should last longer than with someone who neglects their oral hygiene. Of course, your genetics and pre-existing conditions play a big part in how long your implants last too.

Also, if you have a bad habit of chewing or biting on hard objects, this can wear away at your implants much quicker than if you don't have these habits.

Why Dental Implants Fail

We've explained the factors that can affect how long your dental implants will last. Essentially, these are also the main reasons why dental implants can fail.

For example, if you don't practice good oral hygiene (such as brushing and flossing), this can lead to gum disease. As a result, this could cause your implants to fail.

Or, like we said above, if you have a bad habit of chewing on hard objects, this can also cause premature and quickened damage to your implants. If this happens, you'll need to get them replaced sooner than normal.

If you don't like the idea of dental implants, there are some alternative choices available to you.

For instance, you can get tooth-supported fixed bridges, resin-bonded bridges, or removable partial (or full) dentures. If the damage to your tooth/teeth isn't too bad, then your dentist may try these options first.

However, dental implants are an accepted industry standard when it comes to permanent replacement of missing teeth.

Have Quality Dental Implants Done

After reading our dental implant reviews, you should feel more confident in your knowledge about the dental implants procedure and more. In that case, you probably feel more comfortable asking your dentist about a dental implant.

Best Dentist in Roseville

If you don't have a dentist and you're located in the Roseville, CA area, then you'll be pleased to know that GKS Family Dentistry offers dental implant services. Dr. Gurkamal Sandhu received her dental degree in 2007, which means she has plenty of experience in dentistry.

Are you ready to get good quality dental implants? Then get in touch with us now. If you have any questions about the cost of dental implants or anything else, we'll be happy to answer them too.