Statistics show that there are currently over 200,000 licensed dentists in the US. Among them, you may come across the best implant dentist for your needs.

A large part of modern dentistry is the installment of dental implants. Also known as a tooth replacement, a dental implant is an artificial tooth that takes the place of missing teeth or damaged teeth.

If you've lost a tooth due to bone loss or other issues, a new implant procedure might be something you should consider, especially if you wish to replace missing teeth effectively.

So, how long do dental implants, which are often considered a long term tooth replacement option, last? Read on as we look at the answer to this question.

Dental implants, often sought after a dental implant failure or when one needs a solid tooth replacement option, are a dental implants permanent solution for anyone who has lost a tooth. Generally lasting around 25 years after they are installed, they are a long-term solution.

People get dental implants for various reasons, from bone graft requirements to aesthetic desires.

There are obviously practical benefits to having a full set of teeth. Dental implants can reduce the discomfort associated with a lost tooth, as well as addressing difficulties with biting and chewing.

Equally important for many people are the aesthetic benefits of dental implants. A missing or damaged tooth can erode your confidence in your appearance, and a tooth replacement that looks entirely natural can reclaim that confidence.

At Smile Savers Dentistry, where you might find the best implant dentist, we've been providing top-class dental implant solutions for 30 years.

By the time it ends up in your mouth, a dental implant will look like a perfectly formed natural tooth. However, it is actually made up of three different parts.

Implant

The main part of your tooth replacement will be the implant itself. This is a titanium post that your implant dentist will surgically integrate into your jawbone. This method ensures that your new implant will not slip or wobble.

Abutment

The abutment goes directly over the implant. It is screwed on to prevent slippage and sits above the line of your gum.

Crown

The crown is the part of your tooth replacement that looks like a natural tooth. Made of ceramic, it sits over the abutment.

As mentioned above, the average lifespan of a dental implant is 25 years. However, this can vary considerably.

There are a number of reasons why your dental implant might have a longer or shorter life than 25 years. Some of these factors are under your control, while others are not.

Lifestyle Factors

Excellent dental hygiene and good oral hygiene practices extend the lifespan of your implants. On the flip side, poor oral hygiene can lead to issues like gum disease or even implant failure.

Excessive smoking or drinking, in particular, will eventually damage your implants (as well as your natural teeth). To extend the lifespan of your new tooth, limit these behaviors as much as you can.

Health Issues

There are some pre-existing health concerns that will limit the life of a dental implant. If you have diabetes, or you are suffering from cancer, your dental implants will not survive for as long as they would otherwise.

Your Dentist

The skills of your implant dentist play a vital role. An implant by a good dentist will likely outlast one by a less skilled practitioner.

At Smile Savers, our dental implants are of the highest quality, and our staff are the best in the business.

Dental Health

The things you do to keep your natural teeth healthy will also have a huge bearing on the health of your implants.

Maintaining overall dental hygiene is vital. Regular brushing and flossing will prevent decay and erosion, thereby keeping your tooth replacement in good shape for longer.

Gingivitis, a condition that is characterized by sore and damaged gums , is particularly detrimental to dental implants. Maintaining good dental hygiene is the best way to reduce the risk of conditions like gingivitis.

The benefits of an implant can be wide-ranging.

Firstly, it gives you back the function of your missing tooth. A missing tooth can cause difficulty biting and chewing and discomfort of many other varieties as well.

There are also structural benefits to removing gaps from your teeth. When you lose a tooth, surrounding teeth have to do more to make up for its absence, which will cause damage over time.

As well as this, a dental implant offers the aesthetic benefits of having a full set of teeth.

There are a number of other dental procedures that you can opt for instead of dental implants. These have various advantages and disadvantages.

Full-Mouth Dentures

Full-mouth dentures are a good solution for those who have lost all or most of their teeth.

Unlike dental implants, dentures are not surgically attached to your jawbone. This means that they are easily removed.

While this avoids the invasive surgery associated with implants, it means that you don't realize the full benefits of having a proper set of teeth. With dentures, your diet will be limited in many ways.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are essentially similar to full-mouth dentures, except for the fact that they do not replace all of your teeth.

Fixed Bridges

Fixed bridges, unlike dentures, are fixed in place by your dentist. Rather than the surgical methods used with implants, however, fixed bridges are put in place using a strong adhesive.

This is less invasive but does not offer the security of an implant.

So, how long do dental implants last? The answer to this question depends on a number of factors.

However, if you're looking for a long-term solution, you should know that dental implants are your best option. In terms of functionality, longevity, and aesthetics, no alternative comes close.