Replacement teeth in the form of dental implants are widely used and highly recommended. Dental implants are an excellent choice for tooth replacement, whether you need to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or all of your teeth simultaneously. They feel and look real, and they perform like a natural tooth.
However, dental implants have a reputation for being prohibitively expensive. Due to the long-term nature of dental implants, they are more expensive than other tooth replacement options. Therefore, the subsequent logical inquiry is, “How long will my dental implants last?” and you must contact a dentist at cosmetic dentistry for your family in Fairfield.
Dental Implant Components
Dental implants are not a single piece placed into the jawbone during surgery. This system has three distinct components that are not always implanted simultaneously. Each of the three parts is essential to the proper functioning of the implant.
- Implant. The implant is a titanium post that will be inserted into your bone during surgery. It will gradually fuse to your bone, providing a firm foundation to build a crown.
- In this case, the abutment. The abutment is fitted into the implant once the implant has fused and the dentist is ready to move on to the next phase. The abutment penetrates the jawbone and rises above the gums. The apex of the implant is where the crown will be attached.
- A crown. The crown represents the replacement teeth. It can look like your natural teeth because it will be made just for you. It will be customized to preserve the integrity of your biting alignment. Only the crown of an implanted tooth is cosmetically exposed to patients.
How long do dental implants last?
Implants in the mouth are meant to last a lifetime. Because of the bone fusion, they are quite likely to stay in place. However, the longevity of your implant may be impacted by factors such as poor oral hygiene, jaw trauma, etc.
It is important to remember that the crown will not survive as long as the titanium implant. Depending on how well you take care of it, it might last anywhere from five to fifteen years before showing signs of wear and tear. Crowns can endure anywhere from a few years to 25 years, depending on the material used.
The location of the crown in the mouth also plays a significant role in its durability. Generally speaking, dental implants placed closer to the front of the mouth do better than those placed further back. This is because the back teeth do most of the work during chewing. It can cause a crown to wear out to the point where it needs to be replaced.