Missing teeth can affect more than just your appearance – it can impact your overall quality of life as well. Fortunately, you don’t have to live with gaps in your smile forever. Dental implants are an excellent solution that’ll allow you to enjoy a strong, healthy, and fully functioning bite once again. Of course, you probably want to know how long this method of tooth-replacement will last before committing to it. Read on to find out how dental implants in Altavista can keep your smile intact for a lifetime!
What Are the Parts of a Dental Implant?
For a better understanding of how long dental implants last, it’s important to know what makes up each one. There are three key components of a dental implant:
- Implant: This is the titanium post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone, acting as the root for the crown.
- Abutment: This is a small metal connector piece that’s attached to the top of the implant, holding the new restoration in place.
- Crown: This is the ceramic artificial tooth that’s attached to the abutment, completing the look of your brand-new smile.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
After dental implant placement, you must wait about three to six months for the titanium post to successfully integrate with the surrounding bone tissue via a natural process called osseointegration. Once fully healed, you can expect your new smile to last anywhere from ten to 15 years. With proper care and maintenance, you can even make it last a lifetime!
Of course, the exact lifespan will vary depending on the patient’s oral health and lifestyle. Proper dental care, regular dental visits, and a nutritious diet can help dental implants last as long as possible. It’s also worth noting that the location of an implant in the mouth can affect its expected longevity. Implants in the back of the mouth receive more strain from chewing, which can cause them to fail more quickly than implants near the front of the mouth.
Factors That Can Cause Dental Implant Failure
While dental implants are certainly a great long-term solution for tooth loss, there are many factors that can cause them to fail prematurely. For example, patients with diabetes or another preexisting health condition like cancer are at higher risk of implant failure. Poor oral hygiene, smoking, and an unhealthy diet can also negatively affect a dental implant’s lifespan.
As long as you take proper care of your teeth and gums, dental implants in Altavista have the potential to restore your smile for decades. If you’re ready to enjoy a strong bite once again, make an appointment with your dentist to see if these replacement teeth are right for you.
About the Practice
At Miller & Wolf Family Dentistry, we strive to help patients enjoy a happier, healthier smile for life. From routine checkups to state-of-the-art dental implants, our practice has everything you need to keep your oral health in optimal condition. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, visit our website or call (434) 324-8241.