If you have ever lost a tooth or had to have one pulled, your dentist likely recommended having it replaced. Though there are a variety of tooth replacement options on the market, dental implants are favored by many patients and dentists alike. This is because they are incredibly durable, lifelike, and long-lasting. But exactly how long do they last? Continue reading to learn about the lifespan of dental implants as well as ways to make them last as long as possible.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that also replaces the roots of the teeth. These titanium screws are inserted directly into the jawbone, where they fuse with it through a process called osseointegration. This takes four to six months on average and makes them as strong as your natural teeth. This means that you’ll be able to eat a balanced diet so your smile stays healthy and strong.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
So, exactly how long can you expect your dental implants to last? Dental implants usually last an average of 15 years, but this depends entirely on how well you care for your smile. There are a few things that can cause them to fail or become damaged, such as improper oral hygiene, bad oral habits like smoking and drinking excessively, using your teeth as tools to open bottles and packages, and gum disease.
4 Ways to Extend the Dental Implant Lifespan
Dental implants can last your whole life as long as you take good care of them, what does dental implant care look like? Protecting your new pearly whites from harm is relatively easy and can help them last longer. a few ways to extend the lifespan of dental implants include:
- Avoid bad oral health habits – Things like smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products, using your teeth as tools, chewing on ice cubes and hard objects, drinking too much alcohol, and consuming too many sugary foods and drinks can result in implant failure.
- Practice oral hygiene at home – Brush your smile once in the morning and once at night. Do this for two minutes each time with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride. Additionally, floss every night before you go to bed.
- Eat a mouth-healthy diet – This should consist of foods that promote a healthy smile, such as lean meat, fish, fresh fruits and veggies, leafy greens, low-fat or fat-free dairy, and nuts.
- Visit your dentist – Make biannual dental appointments so you can have your mouth examined and your teeth and implants thoroughly cleaned.
Though the dental implant lifespan can vary, there is a range of ways that you can extend it. With the above information, you should be able to keep your smile in excellent condition so you can continue enjoying it well into the future!
About the Practice
Bell Road Dental Care treats patients with the compassionate, effective, and efficient treatments they need to maintain healthy, happy, and brag-worthy beams. For patients who have recently lost a tooth or have been living with gaps in their grins for a while now, they offer durable, lifelike dental implants. They can also help you extend the lifespan of dental implants so your smile lasts a lifetime. To set up an appointment with Bell Road Dental Care or for more information on the services they offer, visit their website or call (602) 404-3483.