How Long Will My Dental Implants Last?
Are you ready to do something about your missing teeth? If you’re interested in the healthiest, most effective solution, you likely know by now that dental implants are preferred by dentists and patients alike. Many patients at Wyse Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Bloomington, IL, come to us asking “How long will my dental implants last?” With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. Implant-supported crowns, bridges, and dentures, however, typically last between 10 to 15 years. In this blog post, we’ll explain why implants are so durable, go over some tips to make your restorations last as long as possible, and cover signs it’s time to visit our practice.
Why Do Implants Last So Long?
Most implants are made of titanium – an incredibly strong and biocompatible material. Biocompatible means that it is readily accepted by and integrated into our bodies. Once implants have been placed into the jawbone, osseointegration will occur. During this process, the metal will actually fuse with the surrounding tissue.
Once the implant site has healed, the results are nearly always permanent. Certain risks, like smoking and uncontrolled diabetes, can compromise the longevity of your results. But we take special care at my Bloomington office to identify factors that could make you a poor candidate for implants. Then we can work together on addressing these areas. As long as you are committed to living a healthy lifestyle, there’s a great chance that you can enjoy dental implants that last the rest of your life.
How Can I Get the Most Out of My Restoration?
Implant-supported restorations – in other words, dental crowns, dental bridges, and dentures – are stronger and last longer than ever before. However, like our natural teeth, they are prone to wear and tear over time. To extend the lifespan of your newly restored smile, it’s important to:
- Avoid chewing ice and foods like very hard nuts that could crack your restoration
- Not use your teeth as tools to open packages, beer bottles, etc.
- Practice good oral hygiene at home using dentist-approved methods
- Visit our dental practice at least twice a year for exams and cleanings
Keep in mind that in the case of fixed dentures, we will remove your restoration and professionally clean it during each visit.
What Are Some Signs My Restoration Needs to Be Replaced?
As we mentioned above, we hope that you’ll maintain periodic check-ups. If you don’t, or if you notice something seems concerning before your next appointment, make sure to reach out to us. Signs your crown, bridge, or denture might need to be repaired or replaced include:
- Visible damage like chips or cracks
- Your bite doesn’t feel comfortable
- Your false teeth feel loose
- You’ve developed problems with your speech, like a lisp
- Your gums or other soft tissue inside your mouth become irritated
- Your false teeth have become permanently stained
In many cases, signs your smile needs attention will be invisible to the naked eye. That’s just one more reason to visit our team so we can check the integrity of your restoration on a regular basis.
Set Up an Implant Consultation
Dental implants are an incredible advancement in the field of restorative dentistry and they continue to improve each year. Contact us to set up an appointment at our Bloomington office today to learn more about whether implants can complete your smile.
