Close-up of a smiling mouth with white teeth being examined by dental tools, likely during a dental check-up or treatment.

How Long Will Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants are an advanced way to restore missing teeth in Ajax and are increasingly popular. However, one question often asked by patients is how long dental implants will last. It’s an excellent question and the answer should be for many years at least, but this depends on several factors.

Learning how an implant works will help you understand the potential longevity of treatment.

 

What Is an Implant?

Traditional dental implants have three components which are:

  • An implant screw. This is a small screw or post made from titanium or zirconia that is inserted surgically into the jawbone. It acts as a replacement tooth root, providing a secure anchorage point for an artificial tooth.
  • An abutment. The abutment is attached to the implant screw and is a connector, allowing a new implant restoration to be fitted over the implant.
  • Implant restoration. An implant restoration could be a dental implant crown in Whitby or an implant bridge or denture. These restorations will be screwed, cemented or clipped onto abutments. Crowns and bridges are permanently fitted onto the abutments, while an implant denture clips onto the abutments and can be removed by the patient for oral care.

 

Implant Screws

The implant screw is designed to last for decades or even for life. This is because it becomes fused in your jawbone during Osseointegration. Osseointegration is a healing process that takes several months to complete after the implant screw is surgically inserted into the jawbone.

 

Implant Abutments

An implant abutment and restoration should also last for many years. However, implant abutments can be replaced, if necessary, with new components. This is why it’s important to see a reputable implant dentist in Pickering who uses implant components manufactured by well-known companies rather than generic components. Durham Dental Solutions uses implant components manufactured by the major implant companies. If you need a new abutment or another component, we can easily order and fit it.

 

Implant Restorations

All dental restorations have a shelf life, so your crown, bridge or denture may eventually need replacing, although they should last for years. Their life depends on several factors, including:

  1. General wear and tear. Over time, the stress and strain created when you bite and chew food can take its toll on your implant teeth, just like natural teeth.
  2. The material chosen. Implant crowns and bridges made from zirconia are extremely strong, long-lasting, and look natural. An implant denture made from acrylic isn’t as hard-wearing, so you will need to replace it more quickly.
  3. Oral habits. If you have poor oral habits like teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism), chewing pens and pencils or ice or using your teeth to open packages, these habits can damage your dental implants in Oshawa. If a habit could damage your natural teeth, it could damage your dental implant teeth.
  4. Oral hygiene. Dental implants might be inert but still require excellent oral care as the tissues around them are living. Unless you keep your implants and restorations clean, there is a risk that the gum and bone surrounding them could become infected with peri-implantitis in Brooklin, a condition similar to gum disease.
  5. Implant placement. Our dental implant dentists use computer-guided implant surgery in Newcastle to ensure every implant is optimally placed. This is vital as poorly placed implants can come under too much stress and strain and may fail. It is also harder to restore improperly placed implants so the restorations look and feel good.

With the right oral care in Clarington, including regular dental checkups and hygiene appointments, you should be able to enjoy your new implant teeth for years to come, and we hope for life.

Are you ready to restore your smile with dental implants at our skilled and trusted dental practice? Don’t wait to get the smile of your dreams with us. Get in contact with our doctor, Dr. Mark Bishara and our exceptional team at our practice to schedule an appointment today!

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