Are Dental Implants Permanent?

Dental implants have been around since 1952. But how long does a dental implant last?

You may have heard the lifespan of a dental implant is 15-25 years, which can be true, as long as you take proper care of them. Whether dental implants last forever is influenced by a variety of factors, such as:

  • How well you take care of your dental implants, like daily flossing and brushing, seeing a dentist every six months.
  • Avoiding chewing or biting down on extremely hard items, like pen tips or pencils, and not opening things with your teeth.
  • How skillful your dentist is at placing your dental implant. Experts know how to evaluate the progress of osseointegration and whether your jawbone has completely absorbed the implant.
  • Your lifestyle and overall health.

Mouth location is also a factor in the expected longevity of a dental implant. Implants in the back of the mouth receive more strain from chewing, which can cause them to fail more quickly than implants near the front of the mouth.

ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS SUCCESSFUL?

According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), dental implants have a 95 percent average success rate.

Since they penetrate the gum and jaw bone, some people, such as those who suffer from diabetes or smoke, might not be well-suited for implants. Before suggesting one or more permanent dental implant solutions, your dentist examines your teeth, jawbone and gums and lets you know if you’re a good candidate.

DENTAL IMPLANTS VS. OTHER TOOTH-REPLACEMENT OPTIONS

A dental implant is designed to be a permanent solution for missing teeth and has become the standard tooth-replacement option. Unlike dentures, a dental implant provides sufficient support that acts as a natural tooth and can withstand biting or chewing without slipping. Because dental implants are attached to the interior jawbone, they’re not subject to decay and they don’t put stress on adjacent teeth, both of which are common problems with dental bridges.

DENTAL IMPLANT ALTERNATIVES

Even though dental implants are the better and longer-lasting solution missing teeth restoration, you have other options available to you. A few to consider:

  • Mini Implants: 
    Mini implants are another teeth replacement option. They are only half the size of regular dental implants. Mini implants are more comfortable to place and less expensive. They are a faster procedure and require less hardware than traditional implants. If you’re looking to replace missing teeth due to decay, damage or age and can’t afford traditional implants, mini dental implants might be an ideal solution. Mini dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement option, but they are smaller in size, so your dentist only has to create small holes in your jawbone. Discomfort and recovery are minimal, and, just like traditional implants, the results are permanent. After your mini implants procedure, you can almost immediately get back to your regular dental hygiene routine.
  • Removable Implants With removable implants, you can snap your implants on and off as needed. Some benefits of removable implants include:
    • You can remove them whenever necessary, making cleaning easier.
    • They are a more affordable option than permanent implants.
    • They can be better for those who have unhealthy gum tissue or a weaker jaw bone.
    • You are interested in replacing several missing teeth.

THINKING ABOUT DENTAL IMPLANTS?

If you are considering dental implants, an implant specialist, Dr. Antonio Lopez-Ibarra in Kennewick, Tri-Cities WA uses the latest techniques and technologies to achieve your desired results.

Contact us today to schedule an implant dentistry consultation with our specialists.