How Long Can I Expect My Dental Implant to Last?

Compared to standard restorations, like dentures and fixed dental bridges, dental implants are exceptionally long lasting -- but just how long can you expect them to be a part of your smile? The very process by which implants are added to your smile allows them to remain functional for a lifetime with proper care.

If you’re considering dental implants for longevity, we can specify the expected lifespan of each part of your prosthetic tooth or teeth as follows:

Implant Post - The base of your dental implant is a small screw-like appliance that is embedded in your jaw. When placed properly into areas of dense bone, your implant merges with surrounding tissue to become a permanent part of your smile. With the 3D technology available at our office, we can help pinpoint the best areas to place your implant. The post portion of your implant will likely not need to be removed or replaced during the course of wear. While implant integration can fail due to poor bone quality or outstanding health issues that affect your ability to heal, it’s not a common occurrence if your treatment is planned and carried out appropriately.

Implant Restoration - The top portion of your dental implant, the prosthetic that is meant to look like your natural tooth/teeth, can vary in its life span, depending on the materials used to create your restoration and whether you grind your teeth. Metal-based prosthetics or prosthetics made from modern, tooth-colored materials, such as zirconia and e.max® are known to be long-lasting, even for patients who are hard on their teeth. These restorations can last for many years before they may need to be replaced to improve aesthetics and allow you to maintain biting and chewing power.

Longevity and its Association with Affordability

Because your dental implants are made to be durable and long-lasting, they prove to be less costly to maintain over the course of your life. While the prosthetic may need to be replaced at some point after many years of wear and tear, the post, and the surgical processes required to place it will likely not need to be repeated, providing a total cost savings for maintaining your new teeth over time.

In comparison, standard, fixed dental bridges or removable dentures may need to be completely replaced several times through your life. These less permanent restorations can also cause secondary health problems by resting on and damaging surrounding healthy teeth, prompting additional restorative treatment costs to correct these issues later on.

Dental implants are an investment in the lasting quality of your smile and your overall dental health. For more information on dental implants in Corona at Dr. Lai’s office, contact our team today.