How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. 

 

There are reasons why we at 172 NYC Dental feel that they are an excellent choice. With our guide to dental implants, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how long they last, what the benefits are, and more.

 

Benefits of Dental Implants

1. Implants restore missing teeth without touching or disturbing the natural teeth on either side of the missing tooth. So, the surrounding teeth are not touched.
2. When we have a missing tooth, the surrounding teeth will drift into that space. This drift occurs from the teeth that abut the space as well as teeth extruding from the opposite jaw. Restoration of the missing tooth stops the drift and keeps the occlusion in harmony.
3. When a tooth is lost, the bone from the socket tends to resorb or shrink. The placement of an implant will maintain healthy jaw bone levels.
4. Implants replace missing teeth in the most natural, functional and cosmetic way. There are no problems with eating or speaking.
5. No further restrictions are necessary for eating other than that of our own, natural teeth.
6. They are easy to clean and floss.
7. They do not come out — they are fixed in our mouths and become part of our body.
8. They are easy to keep clean.

What is the Composition of an Implant?

Implants are composed of three parts:

1. The Implant — which is a false root made of titanium that is gently inserted into the jaw bone where there was a missing tooth. The bone will then fuse with the implant. This process is called osseous integration, which takes an average of 3 months to complete.
2. Abutment — which is the post also made from titanium that is machine-made to be screwed into the implant that is fused to the bone. The abutments jut out above the gum line, thus allowing a porcelain crown to be placed over it.
3. Crown — which is composed of zirconia or porcelain. The crown is placed over the abutment and completes the finished restoration, which restores beauty and function back to the patient.

How Long Do They Last?

The correct answer is that it depends on a variety of factors. These factors include:

• The initial health of the patient and his jaw bone
• Underlying medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes and smoking can hinder the success of the implant.
• The initial skill of the implantologist
• Implant lifespan is dependent on the implantologist’s skill level in placing bone graft material/membrane in the extraction site as well as how precisely the doctor placed the implant itself.

How to Care For Your Implant

1. Brushing twice a day for two minutes, flossing once a day before bedtime
2. Wear a nightguard if you experience bruxism, or grinding of the teeth while sleeping
3. Maintain a healthy diet — preferably free of sugar, bones or jawbreakers
4. Visit 172 NYC Dental twice a year for cleanings and checkups
5. Do not smoke
6. Wear protective mouth guards while playing contact sports
7. Be aware of your medical health and conditions such as diabetes

The Bottom Line

Given that these factors fall in line, it is commonly said that implants last forever.

We are talking about the implant and the abutment. The porcelain crowns usually have a life expectancy of 10-15 years. The latest data shows that under healthy conditions, implants are doing well 25 years after their placement.

Our implant team headed by our board-certified periodontist/implantologist, Dr. Jin Wang, is here to help you through every step. From the initial consultation to leaving with a beautifully restored smile, 172 NYC Dental is the dental office for you.