Dental implants are usually a great option for patients who want a restorative dentistry treatment more permanent than dentures. But what exactly does permanent mean in the world of implant dentistry? Determining the lifespan of dental implants does take a little bit of guesswork, but your dental implants specialist here in Alpharetta can help you understand just how much better an implant will perform than dentures in the long run.
Why Dental Implants Are Called Permanent
The reason that we recommend so many of our patients choose implant dentistry is that implants are designed to be the most natural in terms of look, feel, and use. Many patients even forget that the implant is there, because it works just like a natural tooth. It is called a permanent restorative dentistry procedure because the tooth does not come out of the mouth at all. It is permanently attached to the bone structure of the jaw, thanks to a metal implant that acts just like a natural tooth root.
The Lifespan of Dental Implants
So, if “permanent” simply refers to the method that the tooth is held in the mouth, just how long does a dental implant really last? There are several factors that can affect the lifespan of dental implants. These include your bone structure, how well the implant was placed, your oral hygiene both now and in the future, and lifestyle habits you may have. If you grind your teeth and do not wear a guard, for example, it can be hard to guestimate how long your implant will last.
All that said, an implant that is cared for very carefully will last multiple decades. In the 1990s, well-cared for implants lasted for around 10 years. We have much better technology and implant dentistry techniques now, so it is not unreasonable to suggest that your implant could last the rest of your senior years if you take good care of your oral hygiene.
Schedule a Dental Implants Consult Today
As your dentist in Alpharetta, we want to be sure that you fully understand the lifespan of dental implants as well as any other concerns you may have about this procedure. Please call our office during business hours to arrange an appointment, or you can contact us at Old Milton Dental online and we will get back to you. Our phone number is 678-624-0370, or click here for our contact form.