What is the lifespan of a dental implant?
Dental implants, considered the top choice for tooth replacement, can serve as a single tooth replacement or provide support for bridges and dentures. Among their many advantages, one of the most notable is their exceptional longevity.
How long can dental implants last?
Here’s what you can expect:
Dental Implants Can Last a Lifetime: Dental implants can last from 10 to 30 years on average. Depending on your age when the implant is placed, it is typically very likely to last the rest of your life. This astounding durability is unmatched by any other method of tooth replacement. By choosing a dental implant, you commit to your oral health over the long haul.
Reasons for the Longevity of Dental Implants
The reason behind the impressive lifespan of dental implants lies in their unique design.
A dental implant comprises three components: the implant root, the abutment, and the crown. The implant root is a titanium post resembling a screw with threads.
This root is surgically positioned in the jawbone. Due to titanium’s biocompatibility, a process called osseointegration occurs, allowing the implant to fuse securely with the bone. Once this solid bond is formed, it can last for numerous years.
The Crown’s Longevity May Vary
Several months after the implant root has fully integrated with the bone, an abutment and crown can be attached. The abutment serves as a post extending from the root through the gums, enabling the crown to attach to it.
Crowns are typically made of durable porcelain that closely resembles natural tooth enamel.
The dental implant’s crown may not endure as long as the implant root, which can persist for many years. Crowns typically need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years owing to regular wear and tear.
Even yet, repairing the crown is much less expensive than getting a dental implant as a whole, making it a doable process that may only be required once or twice in a lifetime.
4 Tips to Increase Dental Implants Longevity
To ensure your dental implant lasts for an extended period, basic maintenance and care are essential:
- Keep up a good dental hygiene routine by brushing and flossing your teeth on a regular basis to protect your dental implant as well as the health of your other teeth and gums.
- Regular dental examinations To keep your teeth clean, maintain healthy gums, and treat any potential issues that could endanger your implant, such as gum disease, schedule dental appointments every six months.
- Avoid Smoking: Smoking can negatively impact the healing process and osseointegration, hindering the implant’s ability to solidify properly.
- Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle: Taking care of your overall health, especially bone health through proper nutrition and supplementation, is crucial as weakened bones may impact your implant’s support in the jaw.
Conclussion on the lifespan of a dental implant
At Dental Solutions Kampala, we offer dental implants for single tooth replacements, as well as implant-supported bridges and dentures. Through precise and careful placement, we aim to provide you with a dental implant that can last a lifetime.