How long do dental implants last? Are they permanent? These are often questions many Treasure Valley patients have. While nothing lasts forever, a dental implant can last for more than 25 years with proper care and maintenance. In fact, a dental implant is designed to be a permanent tooth replacement option that is firmly attached to your jawbone to withstand chewing and biting without slipping.
Furthermore, a dental implant will help restore your jawbone structure by preserving natural tissues and preventing bone deterioration. The best part? A dental implant looks and functions just like your natural teeth and can help improve your smile and self-confidence. That’s why your Boise dentist at Summit Dental would like to provide you with the following guide to dental implants.
The Components Of Dental Implants
To fully understand what a dental implant is, it’s important to know what it is composed of. Below are the three basic components of dental implants.
- Post – The post-implant replaces the root structure of a missing tooth. It is usually made of titanium, which is surgically placed into your jawbone.
- Abutment – Screwed onto the post-implant, an abutment stays above the gum line and holds a prosthetic crown in place.
- Crown – A crown is usually made out of ceramic and is fastened to the abutment to look and feel like a natural tooth.
Generally, the abutment and crown of a dental implant are the most susceptible to damage than the post. In fact, the titanium post can last up to a lifetime, while a crown and abutment may need to be replaced every 15-20 years, depending on the care and maintenance they receive.
Longevity Factors
The longevity of a dental implant depends on a wide variety of factors. These include:
- Oral Care – How well you take care of your teeth, like twice-daily brushing and flossing as well as regular visits to your Boise dentist. This will influence how long a dental implant lasts.
- Use – Chewing hard foods or using your teeth as tools will negatively affect the longevity of your implant.
- Location – The location of a dental implant often determines how long it will last. For example, a dental implant positioned in the back of the mouth will receive more pressure from chewing than an implant located in the front. As a result, it will fail more quickly compared to a front dental implant.
- Lifestyle – Those who drink and smoke are at a higher risk of implant failure. That’s why it’s important to refrain from smoking and drinking before and after implant placement.
Summit Dental
If you would like to learn more about dental implants and how to care for them, contact the Boise dentists at Summit Dental Group today. We offer exceptional dental implant procedures and use the latest tools and techniques to achieve a beautiful smile that lasts. Simply fill out our online form or give our office a call at [phone]. We look forward to seeing you!
