Your implants will depend on the type of implant or covering you had put on your tooth as to how long they will last. Implants may last different lengths of time. In this post, we will look at how long most implants will last and what you can do to lengthen the life of those implants:
Implants Provide Benefits to Patients:
Patients who receive implants have many benefits over those who do not get permanent implants to replace lost teeth. The implants have benefits that include the following:
- have a higher success rate than dentures
- bone continues to grow as it’s filled with a solid substance (the implant)
- better withstand the pressure of biting on hard foods
- are more comfortable to use when eating
- don’t stress surrounding teeth more than they would be if you had your original tooth
- make caring for your implant easier
- act like regular teeth
- last much longer
- are not subject to decay
- preserve the structure of the face and bone in the jaw
The cost upfront can be high, up to $1,000 to $3,000 for a single tooth and that can go even higher for a molar, where prices can climb north of $3,0000 per tooth.
However, despite these upfront costs, many dentists offer payment plans to help make care more affordable for you. This allows you to pay what you can afford to pay monthly and make “payments” over the coming years.
The Durability of Implants:
Implants, if properly cared for, can essentially last a patient’s entire lifetime. That can include 25+ years. The only ways that most implants fail includes either peri-implantitis or failed osseointegration. These conditions include serious gum disease or bone loss following surgery.
You care for dental implants by brushing and flossing regularly, just like you would a regular tooth. You also still need 6-month cleanings at your dentists, even if you have all implant-based teeth. Taking these steps stop severe problems from taking hold in the future. While you may not get rotting teeth, you can still definitely get bacteria that cause gum infections or other issues with your oral health. Learn more here about the types of dental implants.
Avoid Additional Problems with Your Implants:
If you have implants, great ways to help minimize your risk is to ensure that if you do or have any of the following, that it’s managed appropriately:
- avoid smoking if you have dental implants
- those who have pre-existing conditions are more likely to have issues with dental implants (i.e. diabetes, etc.)
- those with cancer may not benefit from implants
- misuse of implants (i.e. to open objects) can cause them to fail
However, most implants are designed to last a lifetime if appropriately cared for. Many may last decades if they do not last an entire lifetime.