How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dallas, TX
 Dental implants are permanent prosthetics for those who have missing or damaged teeth. Designed to last long term, these artificial teeth have a life of 20 to 30 years and, in most cases, never need to be replaced. However, several factors can increase or decrease the life of a dental implant.
This is why at Dallas Oral Surgery Associates, our dentists and not only take great care in performing the procedure, but they also take the time to educate patients in the proper aftercare, so that there is no need for replacement or restoration down the line.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a synthetic tooth that looks and functions like a natural tooth. It has an artificial root in the form of a titanium post and a covering known as a crown, which resembles the tooth's enamel. Dental implants replace all teeth that are missing, damaged, or too decayed to treat otherwise. Inserting a dental implant involves dental surgery, which is an involved process that can take anywhere from five to eight months to complete.
There are several differences between dental implants and dental bridges. Depending on a patient's dental health and medical condition, our dentists will recommend the best option.
Dental implants are: | • |
Permanent synthetic teeth
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Embedded through dental surgery
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Longer recovery time, upwards of six months
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Can last more than 30 years without yellowing
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Maintain jawbone health
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Prevent the effects of tooth loss
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Can be expensive |
Dental bridges are: | • |
Replacement teeth that can be fixed or removable
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Fitted without an invasive dental surgery
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Shorter recovery time
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May need to be replaced every eight to 10 years
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May yellow or lose their natural look over time
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Can damage teeth next to them
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Less expensive than an implant |
Factors That Affect the Life of Dental Implants
Even though a dental implant is artificial, it still needs to be taken care of like a real tooth. This means maintaining proper oral hygiene by brushing regularly and flossing around it. How a patient uses their artificial tooth and what they eat affects its life.
For example, using an implant to open a bottle or eating hard or sticky items like hard candy can loosen the crown of a dental implant. Additionally, diet strongly affects the jaw's bone density where the titanium post is embedded. Patients are always advised to eat a healthy, balanced diet to maintain their bone health which will prolong the life of their implants. Other factors, such as facial injuries and infections, can damage or loosen an implant. Treatment in such cases depends on a patient's specific case. If the crown is not damaged, it can be cemented again. Otherwise, a new one will have to be crafted. In cases where the post is loosened or damaged, the dental implant surgery may have to be repeated after the jaw has healed sufficiently.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you are looking to have dental implantation done, consider coming to Dallas Oral Surgery Associates. Our dentists will give you a complete dental examination and recommend the best course of action to restore your dental health. Call us at 214-363-9946 to schedule your consultation. |
