Why Do Dental Implants Last as Long as they Do?

Dental Implants are the most popular tooth replacement option, and it’s easy to see why.  They feel very natural, they’re easy to maintain, and they have an incredibly long lifespan. That last point is where dental implants really set themselves apart. Dentures and bridges tend to last around ten years with proper maintenance. On the other hand, 95% of dental implants will last over twenty years, with many enduring as long as thirty.

But why do they last as long as they do? If you’ve ever wondered why dental implants outperform other tooth replacement options, here are three reasons that’s the case.

1. High-quality Materials

Your typical dental implant is made up of three parts. There’s the post, which is placed into the jawbone and acts as the foundation for your implant. At the top, there’s the crown made to resemble a tooth; and then there’s an abutment that connects it to the post. The post is usually made of titanium, which decades of medical research have determined is the best material for implants of all kinds. It’s durable, resistant to corrosion, and happens to integrate very well into the body. The use of such fine materials is one good reason why dental implants are as successful as they are.

2. Security to the Jawbone

Dental implants, like natural teeth, are secured directly to the jawbone. That means when you bite, talk, or chew, you don’t have to worry about the implant slipping or coming loose. Dentures and bridges, if well made, can do those things too. However, because the jawbone in the area surrounding the missing tooth isn’t supporting anything, the body will stop sending it nutrients. This causes the jawbone to shrink. Dentures and bridges, which depend heavily upon the precise shape of the jaw and gum line, will have to be relined or replaced often due to the loss of surrounding bone. Dental implants do not have this problem, so they can be replaced less frequently.

3. Dentist Expertise

The biggest deciding factor in the success of an implant is the quality of the dentist who puts it there. A well-informed, qualified dentist will be aware of what can go wrong with a dental implant procedure. They’ll help you avoid those issues before they arise.

As you can see, a lot of research has gone into making dental implants as good as they can be. That’s why this tooth replacement option lasts as long as it does.

About the Author

Dr. Laura Philipps is an implant dentist with two decades of experience. She believes that listening to patients’ needs is the key to good dental care, and she knows that her role as a dentist is to help her patients make informed decisions about their treatment. Dr. Philipps received her Doctor of Dental Medicine at Tufts University. In recognition of her commitment to continuing education, she is a member of the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association.  If you have any questions about dental implants’ lifespan, she can be reached at her website or by phone at (432) 570-4433.