A missing or damaged tooth can cause many complications in your day-to-day life, ranging from the discomfort or pain it may cause to its effect on how your teeth may look. Fortunately, there’s a solution available in the form of dental implants. But how long do dental implants last?
Dental implants can last many years and are often intended to be permanent, but their exact lifespan can depend on how well you take care of them. As with crowns and bridges, It’s important to prioritize your oral hygiene and follow advice from your dentist after you get dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are prosthetic tooth roots surgically implanted into your jawbone that are designed to support artificial teeth or dental restorations. These implants are typically made of metals like titanium so that they’re long-lasting, and they can eventually fuse with the bone in your jaw. Once the root is installed, a cap is installed securely onto the metal to mimic the look and feel of your natural teeth.
Dental implants can be useful for replacing a single missing tooth as well as multiple missing teeth, in which case dental implants may be used to support a fixed bridge.
As with other forms of restorative dentistry—as well as your natural teeth—dental implants should be treated carefully based on the advice of your dentist.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Dental implants can offer numerous benefits that often make them a popular choice for tooth replacement. One of the biggest is their ability to replicate the natural look, feel, and function of your teeth, which can help restore both your overall oral health and the appearance of your smile.
Unlike removable dentures, implants are anchored in place, which can help support the natural shape of your jaw. Dental implants can also help slow or stop further damage from progressing in your mouth. In some cases, a damaged tooth can lead to bone loss and deterioration in the jaw, and dental implants can sometimes help prevent those complications.
How Long Are Dental Implants Supposed to Last?
Dental implants are designed to be a permanent or semi-permanent solution for damaged or missing teeth. However, their longevity can be affected by several factors, including:
- The materials used to make and secure the implant
- Your overall health
- The strength and health of your jaw
- Your oral hygiene
- Lifestyle habits, such as smoking or drinking
It’s important to take steps to support your oral health if you want to maintain your dental implant. With proper care and professional support in the form of routine dental exams and cleanings, dental implants can often last for many years.
How to Take Care of Dental Implants
Proper care and dental hygiene are crucial for helping your dental implants continue to support your overall oral health. For that reason, many of the essential care habits for implants are similar to common healthy dental hygiene habits, such as:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. It’s important to brush for at least 2 minutes at a time and focus on brushing each of your teeth.
- Using antibacterial mouthwash at least once a day.
Should You Floss with Dental Implants?
Flossing twice a day is generally recommended by dentists for healthy oral hygiene. However, some dentists recommend avoiding the areas near a dental implant, as an aggressive flossing technique could damage the implant.
When you get a dental implant, your dentist can answer your questions about whether or not to floss and provide guidance for healthy, safe flossing with dental implants based on their knowledge of your dental health.
How Do You Know You’re a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
A missing or damaged tooth can have long-term effects on your overall health and lead to further damage to your teeth and jaw, so it’s essential that you consult your dentist to determine a proper solution. Not everyone is an ideal candidate for dental implants.
Your eligibility can depend on the health of your jaw and your overall dental health, so it’s important to speak with your dentist about what they recommend for replacing missing or damaged teeth. When you visit us, we can perform a thorough examination of your teeth and jaw to determine whether a dental implant may be the right choice for your needs.
To learn whether or not a dental implant is a good idea for you, schedule an appointment with us here at Shawnessy Dental Centre!
