Dental implants are one of the best tooth replacement solutions. Unlike alternatives like dentures, implants mimic natural teeth, giving your smile a lifelike appearance. At Advanced Center for Oral Surgery, Facial Surgery and Dental Implants, we provide quality dental implants to restore your smile and dental function. Read on to learn how long dental implants last and how to take care of them.

Dental implants are designed to be long-term replacements for missing or damaged teeth. Once installed, they can stay in place for up to 30 years. However, like other dental procedures, they can fail in the months or years following installation. Great oral hygiene and nutrition boost the longevity of your dental implants.

Factors Influencing the Lifespan of Dental Implants

Dental implants typically comprise three parts: a post, an abutment, and a crown. While the post and abutment can last a lifetime, the lifespan of the crown can vary depending on various factors, including:

Material Used for the Crown

The most common materials used for dental crowns are porcelain and resin. Porcelain crowns are generally more lifelike and durable than composite resin crowns. On average, a porcelain dental implant can last 15 years, while a resin crown will last about 10 years.

Location of the Tooth

The location of your dental implant can significantly affect its longevity. Dental implants located further back in the mouth are likely to wear out faster since they experience more strain during chewing. For this reason, they may require replacement sooner than those at the front of the mouth.

Oral Hygiene

Like natural teeth, dental implants require proper care and maintenance to stay in good condition. Regular brushing and flossing can prevent the accumulation of bacteria that can lead to peri-implantitis. This condition, similar to periodontitis, affects the tissues around the dental implant. It causes bone deterioration around the dental implant, leading to instability and premature implant failure.

Lifestyle Choices

Some lifestyle choices, particularly smoking and drinking, can be detrimental to the longevity of your dental implant. Smoking disrupts blood flow to the gums, damaging the health of the tissues around the implant. This can cause the implant to come loose. Similarly, excessive alcohol intake can slow down healing and contribute to poor oral hygiene. This can prevent your implant from fusing to the jaw properly.

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Underlying health conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and hypertension can also affect the lifespan of your dental implant. These conditions compromise how the body heals itself, increasing the chances of implant failure. For this reason, it is crucial to inform your dentist about any pre-existing medical conditions before getting a dental implant.

Invest In Quality Dental Implants Today

Dental implants are durable and can last many years if properly cared for. So, if you are seeking to improve your smile or replace badly decayed teeth, implants are a worthy investment. Visit us at Advanced Center for Oral Surgery, Facial Surgery and Dental Implants to upgrade your oral health with custom implants. Alternatively, you can call us at 847-677-6647 to find out if you are a good candidate for dental implants.