What is the Lifespan of Dental Implants?

When it comes to restoring smiles, dental implants work pretty well. In fact, these replacement teeth are known for their realistic looks and function! Still, these facts don’t mean implants last forever; even the best restorations wear out over time. That said, you may be asking yourself, “Just how long do dental implants last?” Well, your Indianapolis dentist can answer that and other questions. Here’s a summary of dental implants’ lifespan, how they save you money, and how best to care for them.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Put simply, dental implants tend to last about 15 years on average. However, these prosthetics have a lifespan of thirty years or more when given proper care. In fact, many dentists believe implants can last a lifetime with such maintenance!

Implants’ long (potential) life stems from their high-quality materials. For starters, each one has a highly durable titanium post that can handle the stress of biting and chewing. Furthermore, implants’ ceramic surfaces are stain-resistant due to having a glazed finish. Best of all, their base parts fuse with your jawbone to ensure they remain stable and secure.

Implants & Long-Term Savings

Due to their lifespan, dental implants save you more money than other options.

Consider dentures and dental bridges, for instance. These restorations last 7-10 years at most, meaning they need frequent repairs and replacements. Sticking with them thus involves several treatments throughout your life.

In contrast, implants’ ability to last a lifetime means you likely won’t need to replace them. As such, they’d let you keep funds you’d otherwise spend on follow-up care.

How Do You Care for Dental Implants?

As mentioned above, dental implants only last long when given proper maintenance. Therefore, you’ll need to look after them daily. Luckily, you can do so by caring for them like natural teeth. Just follow the practices below:

• Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush the implants twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste. Also, remember to floss them once daily with regular dental floss or flosser tools.
• Eat a “Mouth Healthy” Diet: Cut back on sugary and acidic foods that erode teeth (natural or artificial). At the same time, eat more lean proteins, leafy greens, dairy, and whole grains that strengthen your enamel and gums.
• Visit Your Dentist: Remember to see your dentist twice yearly (or more) for checkups and cleanings.
• Avoid Bad Oral Habits: Don’t use your teeth as tools to open packages. Likewise, try not to smoke tobacco products.

As you can see, dental implants aren’t eternal. Therefore, use the tips above to keep them for as long as possible.

About the Practice

Martinez Dentistry is based in Indianapolis, IN. As led by the titular Dr. Martinez, the practice combines comprehensive services with high-quality care. In this way, you can expect great preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, not to mention emergency dental procedures. Whether you need cleaner teeth, whiter teeth, or tooth replacements, we’ll be here for you! For more information or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (317)-846-3431.