If you’re missing teeth, you’re probably considering, or have at least heard of, dental implants in Tracy. They are, after all, the best solution out there for tooth loss, since they replace not only the crown, but the root of the tooth as well. However, you probably have some questions about implants, such as “how long do they last?” Fortunately, your dentist can answer that question. Keep reading to learn the answer.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants consist of three main parts:
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- Implant: The implant itself is a titanium post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone to serve as a root for a tooth that has been lost.
- Abutment: This is a metal connector that attaches to the implant and holds the crown in place.
- Crown: The crown is an artificial tooth-shaped cap that slips over the abutment and restore your smile and biting power back to what it used to be.
Unlike other methods of tooth replacement, dental implants are designed to be a permanent solution to tooth loss.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
If you properly take care of your dental implant with regular brushing, flossing, and checkups with your dentist, the implant itself can last at least three decades, if not for the rest of your life. The crown, however, does need to be replaced after about ten to fifteen years, because unlike the implant, crowns are not made to last a lifetime.
The location of an implant in the mouth is also a factor in how long they will last. Implants that are placed in the back of the mouth are subject to more strain from chewing, so they may fail more quickly than those near the front of the mouth.
How Can You Make Your Dental Implants Last Longer?
The main step to making your implants last is to take excellent care of them. As mentioned earlier, this involves brushing, flossing underneath the implant crown, and seeing your dentist regularly to make sure everything is going well.
There are a few other things you can do. Refrain from smoking, as that can disrupt the healing process and cause your implant to fail early on. If you have a chronic condition, like diabetes, talk to your primary care doctor about how best to manage your condition when undergoing dental implant placement.
When it comes to solutions to tooth loss, dental implants are truly in a class of their own. Take good care of them to make sure they last a lifetime.
About the Author
Dr. Tejdeep Rattan has been working in the dental field for nearly a decade now, ever since he earned his doctorate at NYU College of Dentistry. Besides his traditional schooling, he has completed more than 500 hours of training all around the world to earn valuable practical knowledge in the field of implantology. To this day, he has treated patients with thousands of dental implants. If you are interested in replacing your missing teeth with dental implants, schedule a consultation with Dr. Rattan.