Can Dental Implants Last a Lifetime?
Dental implants are a great treatment option for patients missing one or multiple teeth. They look like your natural teeth, are easy to care for, and – if they are properly taken care of – they can be a permanent solution for tooth loss. In this post, our expert dentists in Arnold, Nottingham will discuss how long dental implants last and how you can look after them.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are false teeth made from a titanium artificial root and a porcelain crown. The root fuses to the jawbone to provide a strong foundation for the porcelain crown, which is implanted to the root and is designed to match the colour and shape of the rest of your teeth.
How long do dental implants last?
Tooth implants are designed to be a permanent fix for gaps in your teeth, and can last upwards of 20 to 30 years, making it a perfect long term treatment. However, just like your real teeth, they must be looked after properly to keep them healthy and to have them last as long as possible.
What can affect their lifespan?
- Oral health
Just like your natural teeth, your tooth implants need to be brushed thoroughly at least twice a day and flossed regularly to prevent plaque build-up. It is also recommended that you see a dentist every 6 months to make sure any dental problems can be diagnosed and treated. While the implant itself is not susceptible to decay like a regular tooth, lack of oral hygiene can lead to peri-implantitis, an inflammation of the gum around an implant and deterioration of the bone holding it in place.
- Diet & lifestyle
Your diet and lifestyle can seriously affect your oral health, including your dental implants. Smoking frequently and eating too much sugary food and drink can lead to gum disease and tooth decay in the surrounding teeth. While you don’t need to limit your diet once your implant is fitted and healed, you should still be careful when eating hard foods to avoid damage, and limit your sugary food intake to prevent decay.
- Injury & damage
There are a number of ways that dental implants can become damaged. These can include facial injuries, chewing hard or crunchy foods, or using your teeth to open bottles or plastic packaging. If your dental implant breaks it is important to get it repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage and discomfort.
If you think dental implant treatment is a good option for you, get in touch with our dentists in Nottingham today to book a consultation.
