How Long Does a Dental Implant Last?

If you’re looking to replace missing teeth in a way that looks and feels natural, then look no further than dental implants.

They are a popular choice to give someone back a full, bright smile. They are also designed to be a permanent solution to replace missing teeth, which is another reason why many patients are interested in them.

However, although a dental implant is strong, it is far from indestructible. Proper care and oral health are still essential to ensure you enjoy your dental implants for decades!

How Long Can a Dental Implant Last?

With proper care, the dental implant can last even as long as 30 years or longer! The reason why this dental prosthetic is so durable lies in how the procedure actually works.

Very broadly, dental implants are made from 3 components:

• The metal root
• The abutment
• The dental crown

The metal root is designed to replace the tooth’s natural root and allows the dental crown to look and function just like a regular, natural tooth. The dental crown is the visible part of the prosthetic and is made based on your specific size and tooth color, and the abutment connects the crown to the root.

The dental crown is most commonly made from ceramic, and while it is durable, it can be affected by poor oral habits and lifestyle choices.

What Can Damage a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns are susceptible to damage because of a few key factors:

• Your oral health - For the metal root to function properly, you will need to make sure your gums stay healthy and can offer the root proper support. Without good oral hygiene, the gums surrounding the implant can become inflamed which will eventually lead to gum disease;
• Lifestyle - Smoking, drinking, and having an improper diet can greatly affect your oral health. These lifestyle choices, unfortunately, increase the risk of damaging your implant, especially if you take part in them during the healing stage where the implant is extremely vulnerable;
• Accidents - Falls, or accidentally biting down on something very hard can cause the dental crown to chip or even crack, in which case you will need to replace it.

How to Care for a Dental Implant

Caring for dental implants in Farragut is really similar to oral health for your natural teeth:

• Brush your teeth at least 2 times a day
• Use dental floss
• Use fluoride products
• Reduce snacking
• Eat fresh fruits and vegetable
• Stop smoking
• See the dentist routinely

Interested in Dental Implants? We Can Help!

If you’re wondering whether dental implants are the right solution for you, Dr. Luis & Dr. Tori Mariusso are here to help you find out!

To get started, book your consultation at Confident Smiles & Implants online to learn how to get back your smile!

Have more questions about our services? Then we’ll be expecting your call at (813) 957-4891.