How Long Will My Dental Implants and Restorations Last?
Long-lasting results are possible with implant-supported dental crowns, bridges, and dentures. But how long is “long-lasting”? That’s a question we get a lot at Staten Island Aesthetic & Implant Dentist, and we want to answer it today.
Let’s look at the lifespan of dental implants and implant restorations. They have separate durations to consider, so let’s look at each separately and then note some signs that you may need implant revision or a new restoration.
Your Dental Implants Can Last a Lifetime
With proper oral hygiene and aftercare, your dental implants can last decades, if not the rest of your life. This is one of the main reasons why patients think dental implants are worth the cost.
Since the implants are securely embedded in the jawbone, they will remain protected from major wear and tear while stimulating the bone structure.
Proper Implant Aftercare
When it comes to proper aftercare of your dental implants, the team at Staten Island Aesthetic & Implant Dentist recommend the following:
- Brush at Least Twice a Day - Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to clean your implant restoration and any of your remaining teeth. You can also use proximal brushes for hard-to-reach places.
- Floss at Least Once a Day - Floss around your restoration, implants, and any natural teeth to help dislodge any other food particles. You can use superfloss or a water flossing system if that helps with your oral hygiene routine.
- Avoid Tobacco Products - Smoking and chewing tobacco increases your risk of gum disease, peri-implantitis, and implant failure. Consider this a great reason to kick the habit for good.
- See Your Dentist Every Six Months - Regular checkups with a dentist twice a year will help catch problems as they arise.
Implant Restorations Will Need to Be Replaced Eventually
While dental implants can last for the rest of your life, that is not the case with the crown, bridge, or denture. Even if you get All-on-4® implant dentures, that denture will eventually need to be replaced.
This is just the reality of wear and tear on the restoration from biting, chewing, and possible teeth grinding. Obviously, accidents and other kinds of oral trauma can affect the implant restoration as well.
The Varied Lifespan of an Implant Restoration
The lifespan of a restoration is typically 10 to 15 years. However, the material used to create the restoration can affect the overall lifespan. For instance, a full-arch Prettau® Zirconia bridge is far more durable than a traditional acrylic denture available at other practices or labs.
During your initial consultation for dental implants, we can review different material options and help you make a sound decision.
Signs You Need Implant Revision or a New Restoration
Be sure to visit Staten Island Aesthetic & Implant Dentist if you notice any of these warning signs:
- Pain while biting and chewing
- Tooth sensitivity around your implant(s)
- Change in mouth feel and bite feel
- Loose restoration
- Wiggly restoration or implants
- Chips or cracks in your restorations
- Discoloration of the restoration
Contact Our Team for More Information
To discuss dental implants and other procedures and options for tooth loss, contact Staten Island Aesthetic & Implant Dentist. We look forward to hearing from you.