Dental implants certainly do tend to last a while. Research even shows they can work longer than dentures or dental bridges, minimizing the need for follow-up care. However, what’s equally true is that the materials of a dental implant affect its lifespan. Based on your post’s exact parts and makeup, your treatment results could last for more or less time than usual. If you’d like to learn more, here’s a primer on the matter from your Royal Palm Beach dentist.
How Long Do Dental Implants Usually Last?
To grasp how their materials affect lifespan, you must first know how long dental implants usually last. The final answer(s) won’t make sense to you otherwise.
The average dental implant works for roughly 15-20 years, much longer than dentures or dental bridges (i.e., 5-7 years). Furthermore, one of these posts can last even longer when provided with proper care. Studies show a well-maintained dental implant can function for 30 years or more.
Lifestyle is the most-discussed factor that affects dental implant lifespan. For example, practices like your oral hygiene habits and diet can help or hurt the posts.
What Effects Do Their Materials Have on Lifespan?
Aside from your lifestyle, a dental implant’s materials also affect its lifespan. These parts include:
- Implant Fixture/Post – A dental implant typically uses titanium for its base. However, some have fixtures or “posts” that are made of durable, longer-lasting zirconia.
- Implant Abutment – The abutment is a connector that attaches a prosthetic to the implant fixture. Similar to a fixture, it can use titanium or wear-resistant zirconia.
- Prosthetic/Crown – Depending on the situation, an implant’s prosthetic or crown can be made from durable porcelain or less sturdy acrylic.
Today’s dentists usually offer several options for a dental implant’s materials. Therefore, remember to consult your dental provider about your choices.
How to Make Dental Implants Last Longer
Even as their materials affect their lifespan, you can still help your dental implants last a long time. Just make sure to do the following:
- Keep Your Mouth Clean – Since gum disease can cause implant failure, reduce your risk of infection by brushing twice daily and flossing once daily.
- Get Frequent Checkups – With regular dental checkups and cleanings, a dentist can diagnose and treat issues that would eventually threaten your implants.
- Avoid Bad Oral Habits – Habits like smoking, using teeth as tools, and biting hard objects can make dental implants fail. Given that fact, give up such practices as soon as possible.
A dental implant’s materials affect its lifespan, but so do your own choices. Make the best ones by using the tips and tricks above!
About the Practice
Pearl Palm Beach Dental is based in Royal Palm Beach, FL. Led by Dr. Ashley Civetti, our practice takes special care to make every patient’s smile thrive. That means we use cutting-edge technology to tailor our preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services to your needs. In doing so, our team ensures you and your family get the best results (and dental experience) possible! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (561)-798-4200.