Dental implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth, and they are an excellent choice for long-term tooth replacement. But how long is “long-term?”
The answer to this question largely depends on the patient’s lifestyle, health condition, and overall dental hygiene. Dental implant technology has quickly advanced over the past decade, making implants themselves highly reliable. Pre-existing medical conditions and lack of proper care are often the cause when an implant does fail.
Ridgetop Dental Group in Reston, VA offers dental implant treatment to replace teeth and preserve mouth structure and function. To understand what makes implants last so long, let’s first look at what they’re made of.
What Is A Dental Implant Made Of?
Implants last so long because of what they’re made of:
1. Implant – This is the small titanium piece that is surgically inserted into the jawbone, serving as the root of the missing tooth.
2. Abutment – The abutment attaches the artificial tooth to the implant.
3. Crown – The crown is a ceramic false tooth that is attached to the abutment and provides the look and function of a natural tooth.
In general, the crown and abutment are more prone to damage than the implant itself because they are exposed and actively used in biting and chewing. However, with proper care even these parts can last just as long as the implant.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Maintaining good oral hygiene habits will ensure the implant lasts a lifetime. Brushing and flossing, combined with regular dental check-ups, are the critical steps to maintaining healthy dental implants.
The crown, however, may need replacing after 10 to 15 years due to normal wear and tear. Unlike your natural teeth, this artificial tooth shows wear and tear differently. How long the crown lasts depends on its location in the mouth, as crowns near the back of the mouth are more likely to need replacement due to their role in grinding food.
How Can Dental Implants Fail?
Dental implants are the best indefinite replacement for missing or damaged teeth, but there are certain factors that can cause implant failure.
Patients suffering from certain pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes or those that affect bone structure are at higher risk of dental implant failure. People who are more prone to gum disease may need implant maintenance, so excellent oral hygiene is important even with implants.
Dental Implants in Reston, VA
If you are considering dental implants, you need to see the best implant dentist possible. The Ridgetop Dental Group team is led by Dr. Datta Malyavantham, who has been voted as the Top Cosmetic Dentist by his peers in Northern Virginia magazine for the past four years. For a consultation with Dr. Datta about dental implants or any other dental concern, please call us or schedule your free consultation online.
