The loss of a tooth as a result of trauma, injury, or decay is very common. For this reason, dental implants are a great option for replacing missing teeth. They are an excellent substitute for natural teeth, despite their high cost. Therefore, queries like “Is it worth having a dental implant?” and “How long do dental implants last?” occur.
For this reason, to help you better understand the costs and effects of dental implants, we will address the issue “How long do dental implants last?” in this article.
Dental implants are designed to be long-lasting. You might wonder if you need to replace your dental implants because they seem to be a permanent answer to replacing missing teeth.
Studies show that most dental implants last 15 to 20 years before needing to be replaced. However, keep in mind that dental implants may fail months or years after placement, even though they are highly effective and likely to succeed.
Chronic health conditions including diabetes, gum disease, and disregarding the need of maintaining good oral hygiene are the main causes of dental implants failing. Your dentist will take out the failing implant in this situation and install a new one.
Dental implants help you feel confident in your smile since they look like your natural teeth, fill in gaps left by missing teeth, strengthen your jaw, and preserve the shape of your face. Even though you should avoid alcohol, extremely hot or cold beverages, and try to consume soft foods and liquids during the post-surgery period, you will go back to your normal life in no time.
Cost is the most well-known drawback of dental implants. It’s hardly surprising that the majority of patients think dental implants are expensive. Its longevity and worth, though, might help you get beyond this obstacle.
Moreover, since dental implants require surgery, there may be some pain, swelling, or bleeding. Additionally, there can be side effects from the anesthesia, such as nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness.
You could question if it’s worth the trouble to keep your remaining teeth. You might be considering having all of your teeth extracted and replaced with implants. If you just have a few or no teeth left, if they are damaged beyond repair, or if you have failed expensive dental works that were too costly, it may be preferable to get full mouth dental implants.
However, keep in mind that your jawbone may not be able to sustain individual posts for each tooth when you get full-mouth dental implants, so your dentist will likely place a fixed bridge instead.
To wrap up, we answered the question “How long do dental implants last?” and explained the effects of having a dental implant in this article. Additionally, we looked into the advantages and disadvantages of having a dental implant to help you decide if it’s worth it. We hope this article was successful in helping you decide if you want to have a dental implant.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
A missing tooth can be permanently replaced with dental implants. Moreover, dental implants are superior to alternative procedures because they are permanent. A dental implant complements natural teeth perfectly. Additionally, a dental implant affects your ability to maintain your facial structure and stop bone loss in your jaw.
Am I a suitable candidate to have a dental implant?
You need to have healthy gums to be an appropriate candidate for a dental implant. Gum disease must be treated before receiving a dental implant because it may negatively impact its success. You also must have an adequate jawbone so that it can support the dental implant. Keep in mind to avoid dental implant surgery if you are pregnant, receiving medical treatment with drugs or steroids, or if you are under the age of 18.
How should I look after my dental implant?
Since dental implants are quite similar to your natural teeth, the same oral hygiene procedures are necessary for them. You should use mouthwash and brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day to prevent cavities and maintain good oral hygiene. Smoking must also be avoided for at least two to three months following surgery to prevent infection.