The Incredibly Long Lifespan of Dental Implants

You consider yourself to be a smart person. When it comes to important decisions, you weigh the options, think about the pros and cons, ask experts for advice, and do your research. In replacing your lost teeth, you have a life-changing choice ahead of you, namely which type of restoration you want. Whatever you pick, it will affect you every day for years to come.

In selecting your replacement teeth, you need to consider more than just the short-term benefits. In fact, you should seriously think about the lifespan of dental implants and other restorations, the cost, and prolonging your replacement teeth.

How Long Restorations Last

Not all restorations have the same lifespan. In fact, while some

• Crowns require replacement about every 15 years.
• Bridges need to be replaced around the 7- to 10-year mark.
• Dentures (partial or full) are usually replaced about every 5 years.
• Dental implants can last a lifetime (30+ years) without needing to be replaced.

The significant difference between implants and other restorations is that implants directly anchor to the jawbone, which gives them unrivalled stability and strength. They also help the jawbone stay robust and healthy for the long haul; whereas other restorations don’t provide this reinforcement.

Longer Lifespan, More Savings

Although traditional dentures and bridges tend to be less expensive upfront to replace missing teeth, you need to look at the potential long-term savings. Normal dentures must be switched out about every 5 years, which means the total amount you spend to replace your teeth adds up fast! Dental implants may involve a larger price tag at the beginning, but you can go a lifetime without having to pay for replacements later on.

How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Dental Implants

Believe it or not, you have considerable control over how long your implants, or other replacement teeth, last through daily oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Your implants are not susceptible to decay, but without regular maintenance, your gums and bone tissue can become infected, leading to implant failure.

Fortunately, maintenance is simple! You need to brush and floss your replacement teeth every day. Visiting your dentist at least every six months also provides plenty of opportunities to catch and treat any infection before it endangers your implants.

Ultimately, the choice is yours, but it is difficult to ignore the overwhelming benefits of dental implants for replacing teeth. Years from now, when you would have had to replace other restorations, you will be thankful you wisely decided to get implants.

About the Practice

Boyles General Dentistry has proudly served patients from Odessa and the surrounding area for nearly 40 years. Dr. Franklin Boyles and Dr. Stephen Boyles, who are father and son, have both achieves mastership status with the Academy of General Dentistry, a distinction few dentists in the field have reached. Although we offer all kinds of restorations for missing teeth, we most often recommend implants for their longevity and stability. If you are interested in learning more about implants, contact our office online or by calling 432-366-0896.