How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

If you have missing teeth, you should know that replacing them quickly is in your best interest; after all, missing teeth almost always leads to additional lost pearly whites! That said, dental implants are among the best solutions for addressing this issue, as they can fully replace an entire lost tooth’s structure. But you might have questions about the integrity and longevity of dental implants in Huntington Beach. Here’s more about some of the factors that determine how long implants can last, along with some tips to help you maintain them.

What Factors Influence the Lifespan of Dental Implants?

Other tooth restoration options like dentures and dental bridges, though effective at replacing lost teeth, will inevitably degrade and fail over time, as they’re not intended to be permanent solutions. They usually last anywhere from 10 – 15 years or so. However, dental implants can easily last anywhere from several decades to a lifetime with proper care! Some factors that determine their longevity include:

• Osseointegration – The posts of your implants are made from biocompatible materials that are able to healthily fuse with your jawbone. This fusion is responsible for the awesome support that dental implants are able to provide for your face; it prevents the deterioration of your jawbone! However, if this important process is disrupted or delayed after the implant surgery, it might affect the overall lifespan of your implants, as they can prematurely loosen and fail. This is also why supplemental bone grafts are sometimes necessary prior to receiving dental implants; adequate jawbone density often ensures lasting dental implant success.
• Overall oral health – Having dental implants does not excuse you from practicing good oral hygiene! Failing to keep your mouth clean can cause issues like gum disease that can progress and irreversibly destroy your gum tissue, threatening your implants.

Tips for Preserving and Maintaining Your Implants

Dental implants boast an awesome success rate of over 95%, but only if they’re properly cared for! While they don’t require any specialized, particular maintenance, they do need to be kept as clean as possible. Here a few helpful tips to assist with this:

• Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Floss daily—it is just as important as brushing and plays a large part in the fight against gum disease.
• Avoid poor oral habits such as smoking, using tobacco products, chewing on ice, biting your fingernails, or using your teeth as tools or to open packaging.
• Visit your dentist for regular preventive care—they can also inspect and ensure the integrity of your implants.

There’s no doubt that receiving dental implants can do a lot for your smile—but it then becomes a matter of taking good care of them and ensuring that your results last for life! If you’re curious about getting implants to restore your smile, speak with your dentist to determine if they’re a viable solution for you.

About the Author

Dr. Justin Braga is proud to bring over 15 years of experience to his practice in Huntington Beach. Dr. Braga received his dental degree from the University of the Pacific in San Francisco and is an active member of several professional organizations including the American Dental Association and the California Dental Association. If you have any questions about dental implants, feel free to reach out online or give Dr. Braga a call for assistance: (714) 587-9084.