You may be considering getting implants to improve your smile. But how long do dental implants last, anyway? Click here to learn the answer.

What if you were about to make a major investment and didn't know if it was worth it?

Getting dental implants is a major decision affecting your smile and your oral health. That's why people considering implants often have a simple question: "how long do dental implants last?"

Fortunately, we've got all the answers you need. Before you get implants, read this guide to learn all there is to know!

A Conservative Estimate

Right off the top, we have some good news and some bad news. The good news is that the longevity of dental implants may be 25 years or more. The bad news is that some implants don't last that long.

That high number basically assumes mostly optimal conditions. We have several factors listed below that are likely to reduce the lifetime of your dental implant.

A few of these factors (including things like the genetics behind your oral health and the skill of your dentist) are out of your control. But other factors (including things like tooth care and use) are things that you can control.

Ultimately, you should consider 25 years as a conservative estimate for the longevity of dental implants. By understanding the factors that may affect the implant's lifetime, you stand a better chance of getting the most from your implant.

Tooth Care and Use

The first factor affecting your dental implants is your general tooth care. Think of it this way: are you following dental "best practices" each day?

Those practices include brushing and flossing at least twice a day. You may also consider additional devices (such as a Water Pik) to supplement your regular dental care routine.

And, of course, you need to regularly visit the dentist. That means swinging by at least twice a year for an inspection and cleaning.

In addition to tooth care, you need to pay attention to how you use your teeth. If you regularly chew on very hard items or do things like open things with your teeth, you may reduce the effective lifespan of your dental implant.

Implant Location

Speaking of how you use your teeth, the location of the dental implant will affect how long it lasts. That is simply because you use certain teeth more than others in the course of any given day.

The best example of this is dental implants in the back of your mouth. Teeth in the back receive more pressure due to repeated chewing. Therefore, implants in the back of your mouth are going to need to be replaced more often than other implants.

You shouldn't let this discourage you from getting dental implants for your back teeth, however. Implants offer a number of advantages (more on this later). It's important, though, to know that certain implants may last longer than others based on implant location alone.

Oral Health and Your Dentist

Earlier, we touched on the importance of proper dental hygiene to help your implants last longer. Another important factor, though, involves your overall oral health.

Certain lifestyle choices may impact your dental implant. For example, smoking or drinking heavily can damage your implant as surely as they can damage your teeth. If you can at least refrain from such activities before and after getting the implant, you can help it last longer.

A final factor affecting the lifetime of your dental implants is the relative skill of your dentist. Some dentists have the right training and experience, and their dental skills can help your implant last for many years.

That's why you shouldn't settle for just any dentist. Do your homework and go to the professionals you can trust for all your dental implant needs.

Implants vs. Other Options

Still wondering if dental implants are right for you? If so, you should understand what your other potential tooth replacement options are.

Typically, the decision comes down to getting dental implants versus getting dentures. Dentures tend to be a cheaper option, but they also tend to slip when you are biting or chewing something.

Another option would be the dental bridge. Bridges may be cheaper than implants and the procedure takes less time, but also tend to decay and may put painful stress on other, nearby teeth.

As for the dental implant, it's true that it costs a bit more and takes a longer amount of time. But they don't decay, don't stress other teeth, and don't slip in your mouth when you're chewing and biting.

In other words, you truly get what you pay for when it comes to dental implants over other tooth replacement options.

Parts Of An Implant

Many people don't understand what goes into a dental implant. It turns out that each implant involves three separate parts.

The implant itself is a titanium post that is placed directly in your jawbone. After that, the dentist can put a crown on top of this new root. As you may know, the crown is made of ceramic and will look and feel like your actual teeth.

To keep that crown in place, the dentist will use an abutment. This is what the crown is fastened to. It's easy to see why implants don't move around while you're biting and chewing!

Dental Implant Advantages

We've covered how such implants don't move while you eat. But are you aware of the other benefits of an implant?

The first advantage is that you will speak more clearly. Other solutions such as dentures may cause you to mumble or slur.

The second advantage is improved comfort. Compared to slippery dentures or stressful bridges, dental implants simply feel natural.

The third advantage is convenience. Implants simply work like your natural teeth, removing the need for you to fiddle with things like dentures and adhesives.

And one of the best benefits of an implant is improved self-esteem. When your smile looks and feels better than ever, you'll feel better than ever as well!

How Long Do Dental Implants Last? It's Up To You.

Now you have an answer to the question, "how long do dental implants last?" But do you know who you can trust when you need to get an implant?

The Tabas Center for Advanced Dentistry in Philadelphia, PA offers Dental Implant Services. To see how we can handle all of your dental needs from now on, request an appointment today!

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