How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

If you’re looking for a great way to replace missing teeth, look no further than dental implants in Cibolo. It’s a long-term tooth replacement procedure that will help you get back your winning smile.

Dental implants are extremely popular because they look and function just like natural teeth, meaning the dental implant will perfectly blend with the rest of your natural teeth.

But how long do dental implants usually last? What can you do to maintain an implant and enjoy your new smile for years? Keep reading to find out these answers, and more!

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Dental implants are made of three elements:

  • Metal post - This is a screw-like construction that will be implanted into the jaw bone;
  • Abutment - Serves as a connector between the post and the crown;
  • Dental crown - The artificial tooth 

Implants are a long-term tooth restoration that can last for decades. With the right maintenance, some patients can enjoy their dental implants for 15-20 years, maybe even longer!

And even if the dental implant does get damaged, it usually doesn’t mean what you think.

How Do Dental Implants Get Damaged?

It’s extremely rare for the metal post or the abutment to suffer damage. In most cases, when you think of a damaged dental implant, you think of a damaged crown.

Dental crowns can be susceptible to:

  • Regular wear and tear
  • Chipping and cracking
  • Breaking

If a dental implant is damaged, it will have to be replaced. Your dentist will simply have another one custom-made for you and reattach it to the rest of the dental implant.

It’s also possible to damage the metal post and abutment, but it usually happens in rare cases, such as if you suffer a direct blow to the mouth. In these cases, yes, you will need to have the entire construction replaced.

How to Properly Maintain a Dental Implant

Although it’s an artificial tooth, you will still need to maintain great oral hygiene if you want to enjoy your new smile long-term.

Here are a few tips that can help:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day
  • Floss daily, at night before bed
  • Cut down on snacking or eating lots of sweets
  • Don’t chew on really hard foods or objects (such as ice or pen caps)
  • Eat nutritious foods like fresh fruits and veggies to promote saliva production
  • Visit your Cibolo dentist for routine consultations and professional cleanings, etc.

Interested in Dental Implants? We’re Happy to Help

Want to know if dental implants are the right solution for you? Dr. Niraj Patel is happy to assess your oral health and provide the best treatment plan to restore your missing teeth.

To get started, please book your consultation at Cibolo Family Smiles online.

Giving Every Person a Reason to Smile

Judgment-Free, Skillful Dental Care in Cibolo

(210) 797-7740