The life expectancy of a dental implant is generally between 15 and 20 years, although in some cases it can last for several decades. Compared to other tooth replacement options, dental implants are the most cost-effective treatment overall. However, depending on how well you take care of your teeth, implants may start to show signs of wear and tear after 10 to 15 years. Additionally, a sudden trauma such as an accident or biting something hard can cause the crown to crack or splinter.
Without treatment, you could be at risk of damaging the site where the implant was placed. Nowadays, a patient who receives one or more dental implants has a series of titanium posts inserted across the gumline to the jaw, where they fuse with existing bone through a process called osseointegration. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons has concluded that dental implants placed here in the United States by a licensed dentist have an average success rate of 95%.Dental implants should be cleaned and maintained every day, just like natural teeth, with a toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, dental floss, or a Waterpik device. Additionally, professional dental cleanings should be done at least twice a year. The first dental implants appeared in the 1950s but weren't widely available to the public until the 1980s. While dental implants offer greater longevity than other restorative procedures, the crown doesn't last forever and will need to be replaced in the future.
To find out what signs indicate dental implant removal and what the aftercare process is like, contact the dental experts at Advanced Dentistry of Centre County in State College, PA. As a very popular dental solution, implant dentistry can address missing teeth and offer excellent benefits to patients who need that type of dental care. If you have lost one or more teeth and it has affected your smile, lifestyle, or health, dental implants offer an excellent replacement option.
