How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

At Westlake Oral and Plastic Surgery, we offer dental implants as a treatment for missing teeth. Dental implants have quickly become the most popular option, providing numerous benefits. Along with functioning and looking just like your natural teeth, implants are comfortable, secure, and easy to care for. One of the greatest benefits of implants is that they help to stop the bone loss that follows tooth loss, helping to preserve the integrity of your jawbone. Implants do involve a more invasive procedure, requiring surgery for placement. This treatment is designed to be a long-term solution to tooth loss, but just how long do dental implants last?

Implant Parts

Dental implants consist of three components.

•	The implant. The actual implant is a small rod made typically of titanium. This piece is surgically implanted into the jawbone. As you heal from surgery, the bone fuses to the implant, and it becomes a strong, stable root that supports your prosthetic tooth.
•	The abutment. The abutment, or connector, is attached to the top of the implant. It is meant to hold the crown in place.
•	The crown. The crown, typically made from ceramic, replaces the visible portion of your missing tooth, enabling you to eat and speak while restoring the appearance of your smile.

Designed to Last a Lifetime

Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. Your jawbone fuses to the implants, holding them securely in place. The implant then mimics the root of your natural tooth. Being implanted into the jaw, it stimulates the bone, which helps to keep it strong. This is a benefit that no other tooth replacement option offers. With traditional bridges and dentures, the jawbone continues to grow weak, despite replacing the teeth, and eventually begins to change shape. This results in the need to have these restorations periodically replaced. Dental implants are designed to avoid this issue.

While the implants themselves may never need replacing, the ceramic crowns are different. Ceramic crowns are rated to last 10 to 15 years with normal daily wear. Some may last longer. Damaged or worn crowns can be replaced without having to replace the implant in your bone.

What Affects the Life of Your Implants

There are several factors that can affect the longevity of your implants, and lead to implant failure.

•	Certain medical conditions. Individuals with certain health conditions, such as diabetes or cancer, the risk of failure are higher.
•	The location of your implants. Implants that are placed at the back of jaw face more stress, due to stronger biting and grinding forces. In some cases, the pressure can wear the supporting bone, which can lead to failure.
•	Poor alignment. If your jaw, or your remaining teeth, are poorly aligned, your bite is thrown off. This can lead to excessive pressure that can wear the bone.
•	Oral trauma. In some instances, facial or oral injuries can impact your implants.
•	Your oral health. Even if all of your teeth have been replaced with dental implants, you can still develop gum disease. Plaque and bacteria can accumulate on the ceramic crowns and irritate the gums. If bacteria travel below the gum line, they can attack your jawbone and weaken the stability of your implants. It is important to maintain a good oral hygiene routine, including having regular cleanings and exams, to ensure that your implants last.

If you have suffered tooth loss, dental implants may be the answer for you. For more information, and to schedule your consultation, call Westlake Oral and Plastic Surgery today at (805) 267-9766.

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Dental implants and All-on-4® Treatment Concept has literally transformed millions of lives. Why not see what they can do for you or someone you love? Want to know more?

Call us at (805) 267-9766 to schedule a consultation, to see if dental implants are right for you.

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Westlake Oral and Plastic Surgery
911 Hampshire Road Suite 4
Westlake Village, CA 91361

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