How Long Do Dental Implants Last? What Makes Them Last?

Dental implants are like fake tooth roots. They hold fake teeth in place. Many people get them when they lose teeth. A big question people ask is, "How long will these last?" It's a good question. You want something that will last a long time.

How Long Can You Expect Them to Last?

Dental implants can last for many years. Some can even last a lifetime. It really depends on a few things. Think of it like a car. If you take good care of it, it will last longer. If you don't, it might break down sooner. The same is true for implants.

Studies show that most dental implants last for at least 10 years. Many last much longer, maybe even 20 or 30 years. Some people have had their implants for even longer than that. So, they can be a very long-term fix for missing teeth.

What Can Make Them Last Longer?

Lots of things play a role in how long your dental implant will last. Here are some of the main ones:

How Well You Take Care of Your Mouth

This is super important. Just like your real teeth, implants need to be kept clean. You need to brush them at least twice a day. Flossing once a day is also key. This helps get rid of food and germs that can cause problems. Your dentist in Riverview might also tell you to use a special mouthwash. This can help keep your gums healthy around the implant. Healthy gums are very important for a long-lasting implant.

Your Overall Health

Your health in general can affect your implants. Some health problems can make it harder for your body to heal. For example, people with uncontrolled diabetes might have more problems with their implants. Smoking is also really bad for implants. It can slow down healing and make them fail sooner. Tell your dentist about any health problems you have. This will help them make sure implants are a good choice for you.

Where the Implant Is in Your Mouth

Believe it or not, where the implant is located can matter. Implants in the back of your mouth have to deal with more chewing pressure. This might make them wear out a little faster. But with good care, even back implants can last a very long time.

The Quality of the Implant and How It Was Put In

The materials used to make the implant are important. Good quality implants are stronger and last longer. Also, it's really important to have a skilled dentist put in the implant. If it's not done right, problems can happen later on. Make sure you choose a dentist who has lots of experience with implants.

How Often You See Your Dentist

Regular checkups with your dentist are important. They can check how your implant is doing. They can also clean around the implant really well. This helps catch any problems early before they become big issues. Your dentist can also give you tips on how to best care for your specific implant.

Things That Can Make Them Fail Sooner

Some things can cause implants to fail earlier than they should. These include:

• Poor oral hygiene: Not brushing and flossing like you should.

• Gum disease: Infections in the gums can damage the bone that holds the implant.

• Smoking: This slows healing and increases the risk of infection.

• Grinding your teeth: This puts extra stress on the implant.

• Not going to the dentist for checkups: Problems can go unnoticed.

• Injury to the mouth: A hard hit to the face can damage the implant.

Taking Care of Your Investment

Dental implants can be a great way to replace missing teeth. They can look and feel just like your own teeth. To make sure they last as long as possible, you need to take good care of them. This means brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly. If you do these things, your dental implant has a really good chance of lasting for many, many years. It's a investment in your smile and your future. So, take care of it!