08
Jul
How Long Do Dental Implants Last? Here is the Truth!
It’s hard to imagine the impact of losing teeth until one is gone. The gap left not only affects your smile—it diminishes your confidence and speaking ability and makes every decision about what to eat difficult. Then there are health concerns. Missing teeth complicate your oral hygiene and increase the risks of bruxism and TMJ-related issues.
Dental implants in San Diego, California. Why at Pearlmax Oral Surgery? We offer a permanent and stable solution to tooth loss because they are firmly anchored in the jawbone. Dental implants placed at Pearlmax Oral Surgery provide numerous benefits, including longevity. Currently, dental implants are the longest-lasting tooth loss solution. But how long do they last? Our lead oral surgeon, Dr. German Trujillo, has the answer.
How long do dental implants last?
A natural tooth has a crown and a root structure. You won’t see much difference if you compare your biological tooth to an implant-based restoration. Both have a dental crown, the visible whiter covering used to chew. Also, both have a root that holds the tooth firmly in the jawbone.
Because of this unique design, dental implants offer a long-term solution for missing teeth. Dental implants can last 20-30 years or even a lifetime with proper maintenance. This means that depending on your age, an implant will last for the rest of your life. No other tooth replacement can last this long! Restoring your smile with dental implants is a lifetime investment in your smile and oral health.
Why do dental implants last so long?
It’s simply because of their design! Unlike bridges or dentures placed on your gums, implants are secured in the jawbone. The implant root is a biocompatible titanium or zirconia. Over time, the titanium post fuses with the jawbone through osseointegration. While this process only takes a few months, the bond formed lasts many years.
However, the crown may not last as long. A few months after your implant integrates with the bone, the doctor caps off your implant with a dental crown. The dental crown is typically created from porcelain and resembles your natural tooth.
Although porcelain crowns are made to last, they wear over time due to everyday chewing and biting. The crown usually lasts 10-15 years, although it may last longer for some people. The cost of just replacing the crown is significantly cheaper than the price of the entire dental implant system. You’ll replace your crown once or twice in your lifetime, which isn’t significant given the life-changing benefits of dental implants.
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New Patients: (858) 434-7554 |
Existing Patients: (858) 597-1007
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How do I make my dental implant last for a lifetime?
Dental implants have over 95% success rate, but this depends on several factors. Choosing an experienced dental surgeon who uses the latest technologies minimizes errors and chances of implant failure.
On your part, observe the following tips to ensure your implant lasts long.
- Brush and floss your teeth diligently
- Visit your dentist every six months for regular exams and cleanings
- Protect your implant with a bespoke mouthguard if you brux teeth or play contact sports
- Avoid smoking
- Eat a dental-friendly diet
- Don’t use your teeth as tools to open bottles or bite fingernails
Dr. Trujillo ensures our patients have all the information they need to make informed decisions. If you’d like to learn more about dental implants, call (858) 434-7554 to talk to the team at Pearlmax Oral Surgery.