Dental Implants Lifetime

One of any patient’s biggest concerns about restorative treatment is how long it will last. Dental implants are widely known as one of the longest-lasting and most durable treatment options. Here is what you can expect from your dental implants.

Exceptional Longevity and Durability

Dental implants have a very high success rate, delivering reliable results for patients in a wide range of situations. The titanium dental implant posts are intended to last indefinitely and often last for the rest of a patient’s life. This is particularly notable for full arch replacements. Instead of needing regular replacements every few years for dentures, you can enjoy a full and worry-free smile for many years.

The dental implants are embedded in the jawbone and naturally integrate with your bone, providing an incredibly strong foundation. This bond holds up well and generally only fails due to severe physical trauma or advanced medical conditions.

Potential Complications

Dental implants have high success rates, but they are not infallible. Several factors can affect the long-term success of dental implants. Many of these are underlying conditions that impact candidacy for dental implants, while others can develop after treatment.

Peri-implantitis is the most common cause of dental implant issues. It is the infection of the gum and bone tissue around an implant after implant placement. It can arise due to pre-existing gum disease at the time of implant placement or develop later on due to poor oral hygiene.

In order to avoid this complication, your oral surgeon will not carry out dental implant placement until any existing gum disease is under control. You must also follow recovery instructions carefully to prevent infection at the implant site. Eating excessively sugary foods and skipping your oral hygiene routine can increase the number of bacteria in your mouth, increasing your risk of peri-implantitis.

Dental Implants vs. Implant Restorations

Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically implanted in your jawbone. They are incredibly strong and resilient and are generally expected to last for the remainder of your life. However, they are just one component of your complete treatment. The implant restoration is the crown, bridge, or full-arch replacement that uses dental implants as a foundation. These replacement teeth are made of similar materials to traditional crowns, bridges, or dentures.

Implant restorations do not last forever. They gradually wear down and will eventually need replacement. The timeline will vary widely depending on the type and materials, as well as your oral hygiene habits, but it is generally on a scale of ten years.

When it is time to replace the restoration, the original is removed, and the replacement is attached to the existing dental implants. You do not need implant surgery again — just straightforward restoration placement.

Dental Implants in San Francisco

If you are thinking about dental implants for a full smile of strong replacement teeth, then SF Oral Surgery can help. A consultation can determine what your treatment options are and let you find out whether dental implants are right for you. Take the first step toward dental implants and discover how they can improve your oral health.