Dental implants generally last for many decades, if not a lifetime, though their longevity varies depending on a number of factors, including the patient’s dental health and age.
Dental implants are the most natural-looking teeth replacement option today. This type of restoration consists of a post made from titanium or zirconia – two of the strongest materials on the planet – which replaces the missing tooth root. An abutment holds an artificial crown made of porcelain, a superior type of ceramic that acts as a protective enamel.
Factors That Affect How Long Dental Implants Last
The survival rate of implants depends upon a number of unique individual factors:
- Experience of the surgeon
- Age of the patient
- Length of implant – longer implants (8-15 mm) are considered more stable.
- Diameter of implant – larger diameters can withstand greater force.
- Underlying bone quality – sufficient bone density and volume is required to anchor the implant.
- Region of implant – implants near the back of the mouth experience greater force and pressure than more cosmetic replacements in the front of the mouth.
Making Sure Your Dental Implants Last a Long Time
Dental habits can go a long way in maintaining your dental implants. Brushing, flossing, water-picking, and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash daily, along with visiting a dental hygienist at least twice a year, will ensure that your new teeth last for many years to come. Try to avoid grinding your teeth, chewing ice, or eating sticky, chewy, rock-solid foods and candies. You’ll want to avoid sustaining a hit to the face in contact sports or smoking if you wish for your implants to last as long as possible.
What If Your Dental Implants Fail?
People who smoke, have diabetes, suffer from cancer, have periodontal disease, or lack adequate jaw bone density are at greater risk of premature implant loss. If you suffer from gum inflammation, tooth loosening, severe pain, or have difficulty chewing, your implant may be failing. Most people are unaware that an implant is failing until they visit the dentist for a routine checkup.
When a failure occurs, you need an experienced dental team on your side to repair the damage. Long Island Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry services patients with old or faulty implants, restoring the mouth with brand new, long-lasting teeth that are as strong as the originals. In many cases, we can get you fitted with new dental implants in just one visit! Through Dr. Nick and Dr. Elliot’s sensitive approach that includes sedation dentistry, you will have nothing to worry about in seeking the finest possible dental implants in Huntington Station, Long Island.
Contact our customer care team to schedule a one-on-one consultation to discuss implants and other cosmetic options with Huntington, LI dentists.
Additional resources:
- NCBI, Current trends in dental implants, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4028797/
- WebMD, Dental Implants, https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-implants#1
