How Long Can I Expect My New Dental Implant to Last?

If even one of your teeth is missing, it can lead to such problems as the surrounding ivories shifting or a loss in jawbone density. Thankfully, these problems can be avoided with the placement of a dental implant. However, before committing to the procedure, you need to know whether it’s really worth the investment. As you continue reading, a dentist in Mesquite discusses the value of dental implantation and details how long you can expect the fixture to last.

What Makes a Dental Implant Different?

A dental implant is unlike any other form of tooth replacement because it’s the only one that rebuilds the entire tooth structure from the root to the crown. Thus, it doesn’t require any damage or alterations to your surrounding teeth.

The process starts with a dentist surgically inserting a titanium post into your jawbone. Over a period of three to eight months, the fixture is secured through a natural fusion called osseointegration. This aspect of the procedure contributes to dental implantation having a 95% success rate. It also leads to greater longevity.

How Long Can a Dental Implant Last?

One of the biggest perks of the dental implant process is that with proper care, a new replacement and restoration can last from 30 years to a lifetime. The following factor into the longevity:

• Brushing and flossing your teeth at least two times a day
• Avoiding harder foods like nuts, popcorn kernels and raw carrots
• Maintaining regular visits for checkups and cleanings
• Seeking treatment for teeth grinding (also called bruxism)

What Can Cause a Dental Implant to Fail?

While it’s uncommon for dental implants to fail, it’s still worth taking a look at the situations that can bring it about. An early failure can be caused by lack of proper fusion with your jawbone. Another possible reason can be misuse of the teeth. Attempting to pry open packages or trim fingernails can spell disaster and lead to an implant breaking or dislodging.

A final contributor can be misalignment of the implant, which decreases the anchorage that it would normally have. This is the rarest of the three causes.

When it comes to maintaining your results from dental implant placement, it ultimately starts with working with the right dentist – one who is experienced in successfully performing the procedure. The next step in the process is for you to take proper care of your new fixtures to ensure they stand the test of time.

By taking the correct approach, you can enjoy a beautiful and functional smile for the rest of your life!

About the Author

Dr. Bob E. Tafel helps patients regain the lives they once had by placing dental implants at Bear Creek Family Dentistry, which translates into happier smiles and being able to eat the foods they love. He can be reached for more information through his website.