Missing one or more permanent teeth can significantly detract from your daily quality of life. Not only might you feel self-conscious about the sudden change to your appearance, but you might also struggle to chew food or speak clearly.
Your dentist can restore your smile with one or more dental implants, but many patients want to know how long these prosthetics last before proceeding. Continue reading to learn more about what dental implants are made from and how long you can expect to enjoy their many unique advantages!
What Are Dental Implants?
There are potentially several ways your dentist can replace missing teeth, but many experts consider dental implants the ideal solution. Unlike dentures and dental bridges, these restorations include a support rod that’s surgically embedded in your jaw.
It takes about three to six months or longer to recover from this procedure because your mouth must generate enough new bone growth to fuse with the biocompatible pole in a process called osseointegration. This makes it a permanent part of your smile, providing added strength and stability over the alternative solutions. Then, your prosthetics are capped with a lifelike tooth made from resilient, customizable materials for beautiful, long-lasting results.
What Are Dental Implants Made From?
You can usually expect dental implants to last anywhere from 10 to 20+ years if cared for correctly, though their lifespan can potentially be affected by the different substances they’re made from.
The screw that’s placed in your jawbone is usually made from titanium, a metal that’s known for being both incredibly strong and lightweight, and have anti-corrosive properties that make it ideal for oral use. However, some patients who are sensitive to metal might require a replacement tooth made from zirconia, an incredibly durable ceramic that can be color-matched to your natural enamel. This can often last as long as titanium, as long as you care for your teeth properly.
The crown of your implant is usually also made from porcelain, though sometimes resin or acrylic is preferred. The latter two might not last as long, so you may need to pay for more frequent repairs or replacements.
How Can I Preserve My Dental Implants?
Thankfully, keeping your new teeth in great shape is easy! You should continue brushing and flossing twice daily, but be careful not to press too deeply into the pocket of your implant, which could damage its seal.
You should also visit your dentist for a routine checkup and cleaning every six months. This allows them to monitor your condition to catch and treat any areas of concern, like a destabilized implant, before it gets worse. You may also want to avoid overly hard, crunchy, sticky, or darkly pigmented foods that can harm your restoration or leave it looking worse for wear.
Taking a few simple precautions to care for your implants can keep them in excellent condition for years to come!
Meet the Author
Dr. Kyle Schnackenberg has more than 10 years of experience helping people improve their lives by enhancing their dental health. He earned his dental degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry, and today, is a proud member of the American Dental Association and Florida Dental Association. He provides a comprehensive menu of services to meet all your needs under one roof, including placing and restoring dental implants. You can request an appointment on the website or call (407) 894-4921.