How Long Do Dental Implants Last Over Time

The Long-Term Results of Dental Implants

Losing a tooth can affect your confidence, smile, and ability to enjoy your favorite foods. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers several tooth replacement solutions, with the long-term results of dental implants in Creve Coeur, MO being exceptional. Dental implants are a durable and permanent solution for missing teeth. Our team at Creve Coeur Dental can explain what dental implants are, help you understand the factors that influence their lifespan, and offer tips to ensure you get the best long-term results from your investment. Contact us today to learn more about how dental implants can restore your smile.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a comprehensive, three-part artificial tooth structure designed to replace a missing tooth from root to crown. Here’s what makes up a dental implant:

The Implant Post – This small, screw-like post is typically made of biocompatible titanium. It’s surgically placed into the jawbone, where it replaces the root of the natural tooth. The post fuses with the bone over several months in a process called osseointegration.
The Abutment – Once the implant post has fully integrated with the jawbone, a connector piece called an abutment is attached. This component sits just above the gumline and connects the implant post to the crown, bridge, or denture.
The Restoration – The final piece is the visible part of the tooth. This is usually a custom-made dental crown, but it can also be a bridge or a denture. The restoration matches your natural teeth’s color, shape, and size.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

So, are dental implants permanent? For the most part, yes. The implant post itself, which fuses into your jawbone, can last a lifetime with proper maintenance. Dental implants can last for 25 years or more without any issues. However, the restoration attached to the implant may not last as long. Like natural teeth, these restorations are subject to the daily wear caused by chewing and biting. On average, a dental crown might need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years, though they can last much longer with excellent care.

Factors That Affect Dental Implant Longevity

Several factors can influence a dental implant’s lifespan. Understanding these can help you achieve the best long-term results of dental implants:

Oral Hygiene – This is the most critical factor. Poor oral hygiene can lead to peri-implantitis, an inflammatory condition similar to gum disease that affects the tissues around the implant. If left untreated, peri-implantitis can cause the implant to fail. Daily brushing and flossing are essential.
Jawbone Density – For an implant to be successful, it needs to fuse with a sufficient amount of healthy jawbone. If you’ve experienced significant bone loss, a bone graft may be needed before the implant is placed. The initial quality and quantity of your bone play a significant role in the implant’s long-term stability.
Lifestyle Habits – Certain habits can negatively impact the longevity of your dental implants. Smoking, for example, hinders the healing process and increases the risk of infection. Similarly, habits like grinding your teeth (bruxism) can put excessive pressure on the implant and the restoration, potentially causing damage.

Why Dental Implants Are a Better Option

When considering tooth replacement, many people compare dental implants vs. other tooth replacement options like dental bridges or dentures. While those can be effective solutions, dental implants offer several distinct advantages for long-term oral health:

Jawbone Preservation – When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in the area begins to deteriorate. Dental implants prevent bone loss and preserve facial structure by stimulating the jawbone like a natural tooth root.
Durability and Stability – Because they’re fused to the bone, implants are incredibly stable. You won’t have to worry about them slipping or clicking while you talk or eat, which can sometimes be an issue with removable dentures.
No Impact on Adjacent Teeth – A traditional dental bridge requires the teeth on either side of the gap to be filed down to support the bridge. Dental implants are self-supporting and don’t require altering healthy, adjacent teeth.
Natural Look and Feel – Implants look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth. You can confidently eat your favorite foods with dental implants.

Tips to Maximize the Lifespan of Dental Implants

Dental implants can be crucial to your long-term oral health. To ensure they last as long as possible, follow these simple but effective tips:

Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene – Brush twice a day and floss daily. Use a water flosser or other special tool to clean around the implant.
Attend Regular Dental Checkups – Visit your dentist for cleanings and check-ups at least twice a year. This allows them to monitor the health of your implant and catch any potential issues.
Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods – Avoid chewing on items like hard candy, which can damage the crown.
Don’t Smoke – If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for the longevity of your dental implants.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants

Are dental implants painful to get?

The surgical procedure is performed under local anesthesia so that you won’t feel any pain during the placement. Some discomfort and swelling are normal following surgery, but this can be managed with medication.

How much do dental implants cost in Creve Coeur?

The cost of dental implants depends on the number of implants needed and whether a bone graft is required. For an accurate estimate, it’s best to schedule a consultation with your dentist.

Can dental implants fail?

While rare, implant failure can occur, usually due to infection, poor oral hygiene, or insufficient bone density. However, the success rate is high, and following your dentist’s aftercare instructions significantly reduces the risk of failure.

Contact Us Today to Schedule a Consultation

Dental implants are a remarkable, long-term investment in your oral health and quality of life. With the right care and maintenance, they can provide you with a beautiful, functional, and permanent smile that lasts for decades. The key is a combination of professional expertise during placement and your commitment to excellent oral hygiene following surgery. If you’re in the Creve Coeur area and are considering dental implants, contact us today. We can help you decide if this life-changing solution is right for you.