As one of the most successful dental procedures in the world, dental implants are an excellent choice for long-term dental restoration care. But that leads most of our East Highland patients to ask, “Do dental implants last a lifetime?”
Do Dental Implants Last a Lifetime?
The right implant and the right procedure should last you a lifetime. There are many implant solutions that can last your whole life, but certain factors may require a replacement after several years. Let’s take a look at how your cosmetic dentist in Highland can help you achieve high-quality dental implants that last a lifetime.
How Dental Implants Work
Dental implants have always been one of the most popular tooth replacement options for those in need of restorative dentistry. This procedure can help replace gaps in your mouth where missing or broken teeth may be. Implants are surgically affixed to your jawbone, creating a brand new set of teeth that can help restore function in your mouth.
Dental implants are built to last forever, both because of how they are attached to your bone and because of the materials they are made of. Titanium implants with fastened abutments and crowns are almost indestructible – although you should still take care of them like they are real teeth. Maintenance is still required for them to last you the rest of your life.
How to Make Dental Implants Last Forever
There are many ways to make dental implants last a lifetime in your mouth. First, it is important to schedule visits to your dentist’s office at least every 6 months. These checkups are essential for ensuring that your implants are still properly positioned and in good working order.
Some parts of the implant, such as the crown, may not last as long as the implant itself. Some crowns might need to be replaced every 10-15 years, which is why keeping up to date with your dentist is so imperative. The position of your implant and crown can also have a big impact on how long your implants last. Good daily oral hygiene habits can help your implants remain strong, just as if they were your natural teeth.
Can Implants Get Worse Over Time?
While a successful implants procedure should grant you a lifelong enjoyment of new teeth, some factors contribute to implant failure. There are some short-term issues that could contribute to the immediate failure of your implants, including:
- Moving the implant while it is healing
- Poor health habits or health status of the patient
- Infections existing in the mouth
- Lack of blood supply to the implants
Depending on your age and the state of your oral health when you get implants, there can also be some long-term effects that contribute to the weakening of your implants over many years. Look out for signs of dental failure such as:
- Pressure and strain on your implants
- Not enough gum tissue in the surrounding areas
- Radiating pain in the head and neck
- Food stuck in between implants
- Excessively grinding teeth
- Bacterial infections
If you are worried about the health of your dental implants, or you want to learn more about how to keep your implants in good working order for many years to come, our East Highland Dental experts are here to help!
Get Lifelong Dental Implants Today!
If you want a restorative dentistry option that lasts a lifetime, you can talk with our friendly team of professionals about the benefits of dental implants in Highland. Our restoration and cosmetic dentistry experts can schedule a personal consultation to help you assess the health of your mouth to determine what lifelong solution is best for you. Get in touch with us today and learn how you can transform your dental health for the rest of your life!