Cosmetic Dentistry Questions: How Long Will Your Dental Implants Last?

You might be considering getting dental implants as part of your cosmetic dentistry treatments. It is important to replace missing teeth because it can benefit your mouth’s structure. One or more missing teeth can cause several problems for the patient beyond self-esteem issues, including teeth shifting. However, after learning about the involved process of getting dental implants, you might be wondering how long the implants will last.

How long dental implants can last

Implants are designed to last a lifetime, and with the right care, this is possible. For example, several long-term studies have shown that patients who have had dental implants for all the teeth for more than 30 years have an 80 to 90% rate of success for the implants. For patients who have only had one or two missing teeth, the success rate is even higher — more than 95% for these patients. In rare cases, implants can fail. However, a dentist can usually take out this implant and place a new one in its place.

Caring for dental implants

Caring for dental implants the right way is one of the most important ways to ensure that they will last for a long time to come. Peri-implantitis, a form of gum disease, is caused by bacteria. This usually happens within the first six months after the surgery to put the implants in. It is usually caused by poor oral hygiene in the area, so the good news is that it can be prevented.

Proper brushing and flossing, as well as regular dental visits, can prevent bacteria from building up in the area. Using an interdental brush can help patients clean under the dental implant. A dentist may also recommend that a patient use an anti-bacterial mouthwash. This can be especially helpful for patients who have lost teeth to gum disease. After a patient has had gum disease, the patient is more likely to get the disease again.

Patients who smoke have a higher risk of dental implant failure. Smoking can slow the process of the jawbone fusing to the new implant. The chemicals in the smoke can slow down bone growth. Smokers should speak with their dentists about quitting before getting dental implants placed.

Grinding the teeth can also result in a reduced life span of the implants. The constant pressure on the implants can loosen them or cause them to wear down. For patients who suspect that they grind at night, a dentist can create a mouthguard. This will protect the teeth from the grinding motion.

Visit a cosmetic dentist near you today

Getting dental implants is an investment of time and you want to know that the implants will last. The implants can last for the rest of your life if you care for them the right way. A cosmetic dentist near you can give you more tips for your dental implants to last as long as possible. The dentist can show you the right way to clean around each implant.

Request an appointment here: https://jacksonheightdental.com or call 82nd St. Dental at (718) 709-3883 for an appointment in our Jackson Heights office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.