A dental implant can hold a dental crown that will replace a lost tooth. And a few dental implants can support an appliance or dentures to replace a whole arch of teeth.
But how long will they last? The reality is that most patients keep their dental implants for the rest of their lives. Implants don’t usually fail, which makes them an amazing investment in your beautiful smile.
How Do You Get Long-Lasting Implants?
Why can dental implants last such a long time? The answer is in the method of implanting them, along with the materials used.
- The Implant Method: Your oral surgeon will find the strongest part of the jawbone to place the implant (or use a procedure to strengthen the bone first). After the surgery, your jawbone will naturally bond with the implant, making it part of your jaw forever.
- Implant Material: Most dental implants are made of titanium, which has great strength and durability. It has been found over the decades that titanium is usually accepted by human bodies.
Each dental implant is almost like a new tooth root. It stays bonded to the jawbone, and it supports whatever we attach to it, like a new tooth crown, a bridge, or dentures.
These other appliances are often made of porcelain and other materials that can wear out and need replacing, but the implants last a lifetime.
Can Dental Implants Ever Fail?
Anything in medicine comes with some chance of not working out as intended. About 5–10% of dental implants eventually fail—an amazingly low rate—for reasons such as:
- Smoking: Increases failure rates by about 20%.
- Gum Disease: Infections that damage the gums and bone that hold implants in place.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Includes neglecting brushing and flossing.
- Medical Problems: Issues that slow healing during the recovery period.
- Thin Jawbone: Lack of jawbone material or loss from osteoporosis.
Dr. Rosenfeld will discuss each of these risks with you before the implant surgery. He has the skills to make your implant surgery successful.
Get Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry in Solana Beach, CA
If you need a new tooth, multiple new teeth, or better dentures, make an appointment with Dr. Rosenfeld. Get a life-long investment in your smile.