Previously, people had to live with empty gums when their teeth fell off, but the ongoing advances in dentistry have made it possible for dentists to, permanently, replace missing teeth, thereby restoring a patient’s natural smile and appearance. With dental implants, you can replace all your missing teeth and continue to live a normal life for the rest of your existence.
However, there have been a lot of debates about how long dental implants last, with some people claiming that they have to be replaced regularly. This article talks about dental implants and how long they can last.
What Are Dental Implants Made of?
Modern dental implants are made of titanium or zirconia posts surgically embedded into your jawbone to serve as the roots for dental crowns. However, zirconia posts are not as popular as titanium implants because titanium can physically integrate with the bone for a permanent bond. Once the dental implants are completely integrated with your jawbone, you can eat all your favorite foods and perform other ordinary tasks with your mouth, like laughing, speaking, singing, and biting without worrying about your artificial teeth falling off.
How Long Can a Dental Implant Last?
First of all, it is important to mention that dental implants are the metallic screws that are embedded into your jawbone, while the white tooth-like material attached to the implant is referred to as the dental crown. Therefore, when we talk about the permanency of a dental implant, we refer to the metallic part because dental crowns are susceptible to additional damages that can shorten their lifespan. In most cases, a dental crown lasts for about 15 years.
Taking care of your dental implant doesn’t mean just brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, rather it means going for regular dental checkups and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you do not take good care of your dental implants, they will deteriorate easily and demand replacements. The metallic screw, on the other hand, can last a lifetime if it is taken good care of.
It is also important to mention that the longevity of dental implants also depends on their location. Those installed at the back of the mouth tend to wear out faster than those in the front because they are used more regularly to chew. Also, people with diabetes and other pre-existing health complications like cancer are at a higher risk of developing complications that will cause their dental implants to fall off.
If you have further questions about the longevity of dental implants, get in touch with STL Oral Cancer right away.
