How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

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Missing teeth can affect the quality of your life. Not only will they affect your confidence to smile, but can impact your oral and general health too. 

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Fortunately, you now have the option of choosing to restore your oral health with the help of dental implants. 

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The benefit of dental implants is that they provide a long-term solution since the implant gets surgically inserted into your jawbone. 

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But, how long do implants actually last? 

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Let's find out! 

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The Average Lifespan of Dental Implants

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To answer this question, you first need to understand how implants work. 

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A dental implant consists of three elements:

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• The metal screw that is inserted into the jawbone
• The abutment is the connective piece between the screw and the crown 
• And the crown that completes and restores your oral and aesthetic functions. 

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Because the metal screw is inserted into the jawbone, integrates with the surrounding tissues, and acts as the root of your implant, it's considered to be a permanent fixture. That means that with proper care it can even last a lifetime. 

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The dental crown, on the other hand, has an average lifespan of around 15-20 years. 

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Factors That Can Affect the Lifespan of Dental Implants

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Even though implants can last a lifetime, it doesn't mean they always do. Several factors can affect the lifespan of dental implants, including:

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• Your Oral Hygiene: Poor oral hygiene can lead to the buildup of plaque and tartar around the implant, which can cause infection and inflammation. This can weaken the implant and lead to early failure.

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• Smoking: Smoking can decrease the blood supply to the implant, which can affect the healing process after implant surgery and increase the risk of infection.

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• Bite and Jaw Problems: Patients with bite and jaw problems, such as bruxism (teeth grinding) or TMJ disorder, may put extra stress on the implant, leading to early failure.

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• The Quality of the Implant: The quality of the implant and the skill of the dental surgeon can also affect the lifespan of the implant.

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How to Prolong the Lifespan of Dental Implants

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Getting dental implants requires numerous investigations, an invasive procedure, and a significant financial effort. Naturally, you want to ensure that your implant will last for as long as possible. For that to happen, you need to:

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• Practice good oral hygiene and attend regular dental check-ups. This includes brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day and using mouthwash to kill bacteria and prevent infections. 

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• It's also important to avoid smoking as it can affect healing and increase the risk of implant failure. 

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• If you suffer from bruxism or any bite or jaw problems, make sure you manage them. 

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Are Dental Implants A Good Solution for You? We Can Help You Find Out! 

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If you are considering dental implants, you can count on one of the best dental practices in Redmond. The entire team at Redmond Art of Dentistry will work hard to ensure you will get a healthy and beautiful smile. 

‍Contact us now to book your appointment.