If you have lost one or more teeth that make you feel self-conscious, dental implants are the best option to regain your smile and confidence. Dental implants are currently the most reliable, aesthetically pleasing, and long-lasting option for tooth replacement. If this is the first time you have heard about or considered dental implants, you are at the right place! This blog will explain everything you need to know about dental implants, specifically the most commonly asked question, “How long do dental implants last?”
So, read on if you want to learn more about getting your smile back with dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
According to the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, an implant offers a permanent solution for missing teeth. An implant is a screw-shaped fixture inserted directly into the jawbone to serve as the replacement root. Over time, an implant becomes firmly fused with the surrounding bone. It provides a solid foundation for any prosthesis, such as a crown, bridge, or removable denture attached to it.
How Long Does A Dental Implant Last?
A dental implant looks, functions, and feels just like natural teeth. Moreover, dental implants are a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth. Research has shown that the 10-year success rate of dental implants is more than 90%. This success rate is considerably higher than any other tooth replacement option. Furthermore, dental implants can last a lifetime if they are looked after carefully through optimal oral hygiene maintenance.
Advantages Of Dental Implants
If you’re still thinking about why you should consider dental implants, here are some of their advantages that will help you decide in their favour:
- Convenience – you can eat all your favourite foods without restriction with dental implants. Dental implants are so strong that you can even eat hard foods like steak and nuts without worrying about fracturing or dislodging your prosthesis.
- Durability – dental implants are made of titanium alloys, making them extremely durable and long-lasting
Aesthetics – dental implants allow for attaching highly aesthetic zirconia crowns and prostheses over them. As a result, implant-supported prostheses blend in perfectly with natural teeth and become virtually indistinguishable. - Bone Conservation – a significant disadvantage of dental implants is that they degrade the underlying bone when worn. Hence, prolonged use of removable dentures can increase the risk of jawbone fracture and cause unwanted facial profile changes due to excessive bone loss. However, dental implants do not have this drawback. In fact, dental implants even promote bone formation in their vicinity, improving jawbone quality and health.
Disadvantages Of Dental Implants
Like all dental restorations and tooth replacement options, dental implants also have certain drawbacks. For example, dental implants are expensive. However, many dental practices offer flexible payment plans for patients to cover their treatment costs conveniently. Besides, many dental offices also accept dental implant treatment under insurance plans. Another drawback of dental implants is that not every dental professional is trained to provide implant therapy. Therefore, one must always visit an experienced and qualified implant dentist for tooth replacement.
Can You Replace An Old Dental Bridge With An Implant?
Technically, it is possible to replace a worn-out bridge with an implant-supported prosthesis. However, your dentist must consider many factors before initiating the treatment. For example, if the supporting teeth are healthy, your dentist will replace the missing teeth with implants and place an implant-supported bridge over the healthy teeth. However, if the supporting teeth cannot support the bridge, your dentist will remove them and replace them with an implant.
How Many Teeth Can You Put On One Implant?
The best thing about dental implants is that you don’t need a single implant for every missing tooth. Instead, an implant can support up to three missing teeth. Moreover, if someone has lost all their teeth in a jaw, their dentist will replace them with a fixed complete bridge using only four implants. Such a prosthesis is called an all-on-4 prosthesis, offering the best solution for someone with no natural teeth.
How Many Implants Are Needed To Replace A Full Set Of Teeth?
As mentioned earlier, one only needs four or six implants in each jaw to get a full set of teeth with an all-on-4 implant-supported fixed bridge. So, there is no need for an implant to replace each missing tooth.
What Type Of Maintenance Do Dental Implants Require?
Dental implants need the same maintenance as natural teeth. All you need to do is brush your natural and implant-supported teeth twice daily and floss at least once daily. More importantly, you should never miss a checkup appointment with your dentist. It helps them identify underlying issues with your implant-supported teeth before they can cause permanent damage or require expensive treatment.
How To Keep My Dental Implants White?
An implant is only the root component of a missing tooth. The visible component, or the white crown, is a restoration or prosthesis made of tooth-coloured material. These restorations are often at risk of getting stained over time. The best way to prevent staining is to ensure optimal oral hygiene. Furthermore, one must avoid strong-coloured foods as they can stain these restorations.
Are you looking for the best implant surgeon in town? Dr Alex Nikolaou’s dental implant practice is the best place to go for implant therapy. We offer the highest quality dental services at affordable rates. So, what are you waiting for? Request an appointment with us to get started. We look forwards to serving you!
