Dental implants are considered to be the gold standard in tooth replacement because they seamlessly rebuild lost dentition, provide a strong bite, and look incredibly natural. However, they can cost a significant amount of money. How long do dental implants usually last? Do they endure long enough to be a good financial value? Yes! This blog post provides useful information on the lifespan of dental implants.
What Is the Average Lifespan of Dental Implants?
Traditional forms of tooth replacement have relatively short life expectancies. For example, you might need to replace your conventional dentures every 5 – 8 years. A fixed bridge provides greater longevity, often lasting for at least a decade. Dental implants are superior to both options because for many patients, they last for 30 years or longer. In fact, it is not unusual for them to endure throughout a patient’s entire lifetime.
The restoration on top of an implant (the bridge, crown, or denture that replaces the visible portion of the lost teeth) will not last quite as long. However, it could provide 10 – 20 years of reliable function before replacement becomes necessary.
Are Dental Implants a Good Value?
Admittedly, dental implants can seem pricey at first. However, they are an excellent monetary value because:
- Their cost per day is low. If you divide the upfront cost of your dental implants by the number of days in 20 or 30 years, you might discover that they are more affordable than a daily trip to your favorite espresso shop.
- They protect your health. Dental implants provide long-term health benefits. For example, they can reduce your risk of gum sores and other oral issues. They can also enable you to eat a balanced diet that supports overall wellness. By preventing problems, they can save you a lot of money on medical care.
How Should You Take Care of Dental Implants?
Here are a few tips that will help your implants live up to their longevity potential:
- Maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine. Your diligence can prevent infections that might cause your implants to fail.
- Visit your dentist regularly. Try to schedule an exam and cleaning once every six months.
- Do not smoke. Smoking endangers your oral health and drastically increases the risk of dental implant failure.
- Eat a reasonable diet. Dental implants can handle virtually any food. However, it would still be wise to minimize your intake of extremely hard, sugary, or sticky items.
Are you in the process of comparing your tooth replacement options? If you want a long-lasting solution, dental implants may be perfect for you.
Meet the Practice
Wellesley Dental Group is home to highly skilled team of dentists and specialists who have multiple decades of combined experience. They offer start-to-finish dental implant services in a welcoming, modern environment. To learn more about tooth replacement treatments, contact our office at 781-691-4914.