Dental implants can significantly improve chewing function, smile appearance, and confidence for individuals who are missing one or several natural teeth. But how long do dental implants last? Please read our article to learn the answer to this question and the tips on proper implant care.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants consist of two main parts: the metal screw-like post, or the implant proper, and the crown that is attached to the implant. The metal post represents the root of a natural tooth and fuses with the jawbone within months after placement. Ideally, the implant should last for decades or even a lifetime, provided no injury or gum disease occurs.
Dental crowns, however, are made of materials that are more susceptible to damage and naturally wear out over time. You can expect your crowns to last for up to 15 years if they are made of porcelain, and up to 7 years if they are made of resin composite.
Let us examine the tips that can help you preserve your dental implants and the crowns attached to them.
Prioritize Your Oral Hygiene
A sufficient oral hygiene routine will prevent plaque and tartar accumulation—the leading causes of gum disease. This condition is dangerous for people with natural teeth as well as those with dental implants. The reason for this is that gum disease can destroy the gum tissue and the jawbone structure that support the implant. As a result, the implant can become unstable and fail.
Proper oral care consists of the following steps:
- Brushing your teeth with non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste for two full minutes twice a day
- Flossing every evening
- Using a water flosser as the first step of your routine in addition to traditional brushing and flossing
- Visiting your dentist for professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, and checkups twice a year
Be Mindful of Your Diet
We recommend avoiding foods that can damage your implants and dental crowns, which are attached to them. The list mainly includes hard and crunchy foods, such as crackers and popcorn with seeds. Also, never crack nuts or shell seeds with your teeth.
Additionally, avoid staining foods and beverages to prevent your crowns from becoming discolored and stained.
Also, we recommend prioritizing a nutritious diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein, especially vitamins D, C, and calcium. Such a diet will help you preserve the health of your bones, including the jawbone, which supports your dental implants.
Avoid Trauma and Damage
To prevent dental implant damage, avoid habits such as chewing on hard objects (e.g., pens, pencils, nails) and using your teeth as tools. Additionally, wear a mouthguard if you participate in extreme or contact sports.
Address Bruxism if Present
Bruxism is involuntary teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Leaving bruxism unaddressed is dangerous because the human bite is very powerful, and constant teeth grinding puts immense pressure on your dental implants and your natural teeth. As a result, the implants might fail, and the crowns and natural teeth can wear out much faster or even crack.
Choose a Reliable Dentist for the Procedure
The professionalism and skill of your dental implant surgeon play a crucial role in the success of the procedure and proper implant integration and healing. We recommend verifying that your doctor has all the necessary credentials and positive reviews before scheduling your dental implant surgery appointment.
Get Long-lasting Dental Implants at TruGlo Calabasas
Do not hesitate to call our office and schedule an appointment with an experienced dentist. At the TruGlo Calabasas dental office, we use high-quality materials and reliable methods to provide our clients with long-lasting dental implants. We are looking forward to your visit.
