Our teeth are special structures in our bodies. They enable us to eat and speak properly, and having a nice set of teeth improves the beauty of our smile. We all need to strive to care for our teeth if we are to enjoy these benefits. However, it’s possible to end up losing teeth for reasons that are beyond your control, such as getting into an accident. The loss can be hard to take, but there are options for replacing lost teeth. Dental implants serve as permanent replacements. Lovett Dental Gulfgate will help you understand dental implant lifespan and how to take care of your implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
You can think of dental implants as artificial roots. These roots have a resemblance to ordinary screws. These screws enable the implant to fuse with a person’s jaw bone. Once the screw fuses with the bone, it becomes sturdy. The screw can then act as the foundation for supporting the artificial teeth.
Dental implants are very stable. They do not slip or make noises in the person’s mouth. They are great for people who do not like dentures. Ordinary dentures can be unstable sometimes. This makes it troublesome for a person to tear into foods like meat.
Dental implants have a lifespan of about 20 to 30 years. The longevity of an implant will vary from person to person depending on several factors. These implants are just like our natural teeth. We have to care for them to last.
Below are some of the factors that dictate the lifespan of an implant.
Bone Density
A dentist must always analyze your bone density before they can recommend an implant. There is a threshold that patients must meet before they can get these implants. Meeting this threshold alone will not guarantee that the implant will last for long. The higher a person’s bone density, the more likely that the implant will have a longer lifespan.
A dentist will examine the proposed implant site through x-rays and scans before performing the surgery. This will enable the dentist to determine if you have sufficient bone. If you lack enough bone, the dentist can perform a bone graft to augment the bone density.
Degree of Care
Dental implants will last longer if you properly care for them. The fact that these implants are artificial does not guarantee that they will not wear out over time like artificial teeth. Implants will develop plaque and calculus over time if you neglect them. The plaque will harden into tartar after which it may morph into gum infection.
Gum infection will soften the gum tissues. This will give the bacteria access to the jaw bone supporting these implants. If the bacteria compromise the bone, the fusion between the screw and the jaw bone deteriorates. As a result, the implant will become unstable and may even fall off after a few years.
Going for regular teeth cleaning services will help to get rid of the plaque. Normal oral care routines like flossing and brushing your teeth will prolong the lifespan of these implants too.
Smoking
Implants will last longer if you are a non-smoker. Cigarette smoking poses a serious threat to implants especially if they are in areas with poor quality trabecular bone. Smoking tends to increase the rates of developing implant complications. Smoking can also result in the development of deep mucosal pockets around the implants or lower the success rate of a bone graft.
A non-smoker will therefore enjoy a longer lifespan for the implants than a smoker.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
Suffering from certain medical conditions may limit the lifespan of an implant. Patients with rheumatoid conditions have a higher prevalence of implant failure than healthy people. It gets worse for these patients if they have another disease that affects their connective tissue. The conditions make it difficult for the implant to bond successfully with the jaw bone. This increases the risk of failure.
Patients with pre-existing conditions should visit dental facilities regularly for check-ups. Dentists will help make sure that the implants integrate with the bone successfully. This will increase the possibility of having the implants for a longer period despite the suffering from the conditions.
Treatment at Lovett Dental Gulfgate
Lovett Dental Gulfgate is a dental facility that provides all forms of dental care. Our facility meets all the accreditation and industry standards for practicing dentistry. We have partnered with various insurance service providers to help our clients access oral care at an affordable rate.
Some of the services that can help you maintain good oral health include:
- Dental implants – Your dentist can help you replace missing teeth with artificial implants
- Dental exams – Visit your dentist regularly to check for issues like cavities or gum disease
- Teeth whitening services – Teeth whitening will help you restore the glory of your teeth in case of discoloration
- Emergency dental services – If you have broken a tooth or a tooth has become dislodged, contact us immediately
Learn More About Dental Implants at Lovett Dental Gulfgate
Some people do not see the need for implants because they think these implants won’t last. However, as long as you take care of dental implants, they will last for a long time. Do not let fear prevent you from replacing your missing teeth with these implants. Visit Lovett Dental Gulfgate today or contact us at 713-847-8822 to learn more about dental implant lifespan and how you can access treatment.
