After years of wearing dentures, you’re tired of having to order new ones every few years. You don’t want to go through the trouble of replacement so frequently, so you’ve decided to get dental implants, knowing that they have the potential to last a long time. But exactly how long is the dental implant lifespan? What could lead to failure? And how can you extend the lifespan of your implants? Keep reading to find out all this information!
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
The exact number of years implants last varies from patient to patient; however, in general implants tend to last significantly longer than other replacement options. For instance, while traditional dentures must be replaced about every five years or so to accommodate a shrinking jawbone, implants can go for several decades and still be perfectly functional.
What Can Cause Implant Failure?
In the months following implant placement, the jawbone must grow and envelop the post. If this process doesn’t happen, the implant has failed. That’s why Dr. Gersten and Dr. Parli spend time beforehand making sure that you don’t have any existing infections like gum disease and that you have enough jawbone density to firmly hold the implant post.
However, implant failure can occur years after the post is placed and fully integrated with the jawbone. If you neglect your replacement teeth and oral health, an infection called peri-implantitis can lead to bone deterioration and make the implants loose and unstable.
How Can I Make My Implants Last?
If you want to enjoy your dental implants for many, many years after they’ve been placed, you must stay diligent in your oral hygiene routine, meaning you need to brush and floss your teeth (even the artificial ones) every day. Cleaning them daily will keep bacteria and plaque under control, reducing your risk of a gum infection. You also must go to Beach Dental regularly. This routine visit may seem insignificant, but it allows Dr. Parli or Dr. Gersten to inspect your mouth for any signs of infection as well as clean whatever plaque you may have missed at home.
Other valuable tips for preserving your implants include the following:
- Drinking more water to rinse your mouth of bacteria.
- Limiting how much sugar you ingest to slow down bacterial growth in your mouth.
- Using an antibacterial mouthwash in your daily hygiene routine.
Ultimately, with the right maintenance and diligence, your dental implants can last for many years without needing replacement. When you work with us at Beach Dental, you can enjoy your smile as you did before you experienced tooth loss for a long, long time.
About the Practice
With two dentists with more than 20 years of experience each, Beach Dental offers unique expertise, whether you’re replacing missing teeth or preventing oral infections. Dr. Jason Parli and Dr. Alexis Gersten customize treatments to the individual patient’s needs and strives to make treatment last as long as possible. To schedule an implant consultation at Beach Dental, you can contact our office online or call 631-325-0731.