How Long Full Mouth Dental Implants Last

As with any investment, you may wonder how long you can expect your washington dc full mouth dental implants to last.  The answer is based on multiple factors, primarily including the patient’s dental hygiene, and their lifestyle.  While in the past, implants may have failed in their functionality, advances in dental technology have largely eliminated this cause of failure, and full mouth dental implants can be expected to be quite durable.  Some pre-existing medical conditions or the misuse of implants may still lead to implant failure, however.  To best understand the possible causes of failure in full mouth dental implants, it’s important to understand the basic mechanical components of a dental implant.  A dental implant is made up of three parts: the implant, an abutment, and the crown.  The implant is a metal cylinder, usually titanium, that is implanted in the jawbone and serves as a replacement tooth root, supporting the crown.  The abutment is a fastener that affixes to the implant and holds the crown in place.  The crown is the ceramic replacement tooth itself, which attaches to the abutment.  The implant is unlikely to sustain damage, as it is nestled securely in the jaw bone, but the abutment and crown are exposed and therefore may be more vulnerable to damage.  If maintained properly, with regular dental checkups and good daily oral hygiene habits, the implant itself may realistically last a lifetime.  The crown, however, can be expected to last about 15 years, though this lifespan can be significantly affected, in both directions, by lifestyle and oral hygiene habits.  The location in the mouth may also affect the longevity of your dental implant; since they are used for chewing, molar implants, in the back of the mouth, undergo more stress than those in the front of the mouth.  This may shorten the lifespan of these implants.

Dental implants have become the preferred option for replacing missing teeth, providing a permanent solution that offers comfort and stability as well as an attractive appearance.  When cared for correctly, dental implants can provide long-term function and sustain an attractive appearance indefinitely.  Some patients, including people with diabetes, cancer, or other medical conditions, may face a higher risk of their dental implants failing.  Just as it is vital to maintaining the health of natural teeth, regular brushing and flossing will help prolong the life of your full mouth dental implants.  While the implants themselves are not susceptible to decay, the health of the surrounding bone and gum tissue depends on regular cleaning, and gum disease or bone degradation may lead to the failure of dental implants, so be sure to brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly.  Some dentists also recommend using a waterpick to loosen and remove any irritating debris that may get trapped between the crowns and the gums, as this may lead to infection.  If you are thinking about full mouth dental implants to replace one or both rows of teeth, ask your dentist to recommend a board-certified implant dentist with experience and a good reputation.  This specialist, in conjunction with a cosmetic dentist and other dental specialists, will use the latest in dental technology to construct and place a beautiful, functional, comfortable, natural-looking smile.

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