According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, 3 million people have dental implants. They also point out that there is evidence of dental implants being used in the seventh century. However, the ancient practice of hammering pieces of shell into the jaw has been replaced by highly sophisticated methods that offer comfortable placement and predictable results. One of the common questions people ask about implants is, how long do teeth implants last? And for dental implants we offer services in North Charleston, West Ashley, Summerville, Mount Pleasant, James Island and Hanahan, SC.
To learn more about how you could benefit from dental implants, schedule an appointment at Trident Dental for a comprehensive oral examination and implant evaluation.
Advantages of Dental Implants
You might have several options to replace missing teeth. There are several advantages to having their appearance and function restored using dental implants.
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Implants help preserve bone in your jaw. You begin losing the bone that supports a tooth soon after the tooth is extracted. This can affect the bone around other teeth and cause esthetic issues with replacing a missing tooth. Implants provide the stimulation needed to prevent the loss of your jaw bone.
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Implants look natural. Dental bridges, partials, and dentures replace the top part of teeth, or dental crowns, but not the tooth root. They rely on attachment to adjacent teeth, underlying bone, and gums for support. Implants replace the missing root to support the dental restoration in the same way a natural root supports a tooth.
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Implants restore a more natural ability to chew. Implants have been shown to improve the biting forces similar to natural teeth.
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Implants are easier to maintain. You do not need to change how you brush and floss your teeth with dental implants. This is a significant advantage over a fixed dental bridge, which requires using devices such as floss threaders.
Factors That Contribute to Implant Success
Modern dentistry has brought changes in the materials and methods of placement that have resulted in extremely high success rates. Several factors determine the longevity of an implant, such as:
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Smoking. Smokers tend to lose bone at a significantly higher rate than non-smokers. This accelerated bone loss is one of the reasons that smokers are at an increased risk of the inflammation that leads to implant failure. Smokers are recommended to quit smoking six months before implant surgery to improve their chance of keeping their implant longer.
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Oral hygiene. Implants do not eliminate the need to brush and floss. Dental plaque can build up at the junction of the implant and surrounding gums. This can result in periodontal disease that threatens the survival of the implant.
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Diet. After implant placement, eating a nutritious soft diet allows for better integration between the implant and surrounding bone. After complete healing, a well-balanced diet can help keep gums and jaw bone healthy to increase implant longevity.
How Long Do Teeth Implants Last?
Your implant can last a lifetime with proper oral hygiene and healthy habits, such as not smoking. However, the restoration attached to the implant may require replacement due to damage or normal wear and tear.
Schedule Appointment
Trident Dental offers several implant options to restore one or more missing teeth for a comfortable and natural appearance and improved ability to chew and speak.