How a Dental Implant’s Materials Affect Its Lifespan

If you’re considering dental implants, you may already know they tend to last a while. That these posts work longer than dentures or dental bridges is part of why they’re so appealing. Even so, you shouldn’t take their longevity for granted; a dental implant’s materials affect its lifespan. Your new teeth may not work very long if their parts aren’t up to snuff. To learn more about this matter, here’s a primer on how implant materials affect treatment lifespan.

Dental Implants Normally Last Decades

For the sake of context, it’s worth noting that dental implants normally last many years. Knowing this helps you grasp how the posts’ materials affect their lifespan.

Based on current research, the average dental implant works for roughly 15-20 years. That sort of lifespan already puts those of dentures and dental bridges (i.e., 5-7 years) to shame. However, a well-maintained dental implant can last even longer with proper care. Estimates suggest such a post could endure for 30 years or even more!

Whether your dental implants last a long or short time will depend on various factors. The most notable of these are lifestyle choices, including your oral hygiene habits, your diet, etc.

Implant Materials Affect Treatment Lifespan

Aside from lifestyle, another factor that affects a dental implant’s lifespan is its materials. The quality of your post’s components will make it live a longer or shorter life.

To be specific, dental implants consist of three parts:

• The Fixture/Post – A dental implant will always use a metal post as its base. This part is usually made of titanium, but it can also use durable zirconia.
• The Abutment – An abutment is a metal connector that attaches a prosthetic to your implant post. Often, it’s made from traditional titanium or wear-resistant zirconia.
• The Prosthetic/Crown – Per its name, an implant’s prosthetic is the part that matches the looks of surrounding teeth. It can be made from durable porcelain or less sturdy acrylic.

Since dentists can offer varied options for implant materials, remember to consult your dental provider about the best choices.

How to Make Dental Implants Last Longer

Whether their materials are great or poor, you can take steps to make your dental implants last longer.  Some of the best ones are:

• Keep Your Mouth Clean – By brushing twice daily and flossing once daily, you’ll reduce your risk of gum disease that causes implant failure.
• Avoid Bad Oral Habits – If you indulge in bad oral habits, your dental implants may fail early. So, please avoid smoking, using your teeth as tools, and biting hard objects.
• Get Frequent Checkups – Try to attend dental checkups and cleanings every six months. Through these visits, your dentist can diagnose and treat issues that threaten your implants.

A dental implant’s materials affect its lifespan, but so do your decisions. Look after your new posts well when you get them!

About the Practice

Buda Dental Professionals is based in Buda, TX. Led by Drs. Strickland, Carlyon, and Dunn, our practice is strongly dedicated to each and every patient’s smile. That means we tailor our preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments to your specific oral wants and needs. When combined with our dental emergency care, this approach lets us give you a truly strong and thriving grin! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (512)-295-5555.