How Long Do Dental Implants Last
Our teeth are pretty strong but they are not completely indestructible. Over the years they can get damaged for a variety of reasons from issues with dental decay or injury. When that happens it is often important to consider adult tooth replacement options. One adult tooth replacement option is dental implants. Many people choose dental implants because they are known to be longer-lasting than dental bridges. Dental implants tend to last 10-30 years. Because of that it is possible that they can last the rest of your lifetime. But that large gap of time is impacted by many factors. In this article we will discuss why you might need implants replaced.
What Types Of Dental Implants Are There?
When we think about dental implants we often think about a single implant. A dental post is surgically attached to the jawbone, and then a false tooth is attached to the top of the post just above the gumline. This is a great solution for a lost adult tooth in a variety of ways. Compared to a dental bridge there is less of a concern about dental decay. Because bridges require dental crowns be added to healthy teeth, there is often a concern that a dental bridge could lead to decay and cavities near the spot where the crown touches the tooth. A dental implant doesn’t carry this risk. On top of that a dental implant also preserves the structure of the jawline by fully replacing the tooth including the root.
But not all dental implants are one post per tooth. All-On-4 Dental Implants are designed to replace an entire row of teeth and are an alternative to dentures. All-On-4 implants use four posts to attach an arch of teeth. In both cases, the posts might outlast the crowns that are attached to them. It is sometimes necessary to replace the crowns because of general wear and tear.
How Can I Help My Dental Implants Last Longer
There are a few things you can do to protect your dental implants.
- See Your Dentist Routinely: With all things dental, seeing a dentist every 6 months is one of the best ways to protect your teeth long-term. A dentist can notice any signs of problems well before you would and address them early.
- Take Care Of Your Teeth: Good dental hygiene including brushing your teeth and flossing can help decrease the damage caused by bacteria and plaque.
- Avoid Tobacco Products: Cigars, cigarettes, and chewing tobacco can all have negative impacts on your teeth and gums and cause damage. On top of that, tobacco is linked to oral cancer and a variety of other serious health concerns.
Schedule Dental Appointments in Lisbon Maine
We provide restorative dental services in Lisbon Maine. If you are interested in learning more about dental services like dental bridges, dental implants, or All-on-4 Dental implants, please contact us or click below to make an appointment.