While the first implant for teeth was developed in 1952 by a Swedish orthopedic surgeon, implants weren’t widely accepted as a tooth replacement option for many years. However, dental implants near Downers Grove are now among the most popular tooth-replacement options. If you live near Downers Grove and are considering implantation surgery, you may wonder how long implants are supposed to last and if they are considered a permanent solution.
Length of Time
The lifespan of an implant is 25 years or more, but the fact is that you have to maintain them. Just like your teeth are designed to last a lifetime, dental implants are designed to last many decades with proper oral hygiene and maintenance. Whether they last forever is determined by many factors.
For example, you must take care of them by brushing and flossing with a water flosser daily or as recommended by your clinic. You must also get a check-up and cleaning twice a year.
It’s essential that you avoid biting down or chewing on hard items, such as pencils or pen caps. If it isn’t food, you shouldn’t be chewing on it. Likewise, you shouldn’t use your prosthetic teeth to open items, such as chip bags, plastic wrappers, and other such items.
The length of time the implant lasts may also depend on how they are placed and how skilled your oral surgeon and prosthodontist are. An expert on dental implants should evaluate your progress and checks for osseointegration – the integration of your jawbone and your implant. He or she should also measure how much jaw bone you have left before they start the procedure. If you don’t have enough healthy bone, he or she can suggest bone grafting as a first step.
Your overall health and lifestyle can also affect how long implants last and whether or not they are successful.
Timing with Bone Graft
Very few people require a bone graft before getting implants. For procedures in the U.S., the number is currently around 10 percent. However, if you do require the minimally-invasive procedure, it shouldn’t affect how long the implant lasts.
You may need a bone graft if you have lost density of the jawbone, which can result from disease, infection, tooth loss, or trauma.
Is it Time to Replace an Implant?
Most people are never going to require a dental implant replacement. If you don’t experience infection or damage, and your implant doesn’t come loose, you may never need to get it replaced. However, it’s possible that the crown (natural looking prosthetic tooth) may crack or become damaged and that it might need to be replaced over time. Your prosthodontist will check for any wear and tear and tell you his or her findings.
Dental implants are designed to last your lifetime with proper care. Visit EON Clinics near Downers Grove, as they serve patients in Naperville, Joliet, Westmont, Downers Grove, and other areas.
