Tooth loss can detract from your daily quality of life in several different ways. Fortunately, your provider can rebuild your smile’s appearance and functionality with dental implants. Many experts consider these the ideal way to replace lost teeth because of their unique placement in your jaw, which makes them stronger and more resilient than alternatives, like dentures or dental bridges.
However, many patients want to know what their new teeth are made of and how long they’ll last. If you’re considering these restorations, continue reading to learn more about their typical lifespan!
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the only replacement teeth that include a titanium support rod that’s surgically embedded directly into your jawbone. It takes three to six months to heal afterward because your jaw must produce enough new bone growth to completely envelop and fuse with the metal pole in a process called osseointegration.
Then, your dentist provides a lifelike prosthetic to close the space in your smile using customizable, tooth-colored materials that can be designed to match the shape, shade, and size of your natural teeth.
What Are Dental Implants Made From?
Dental implants consist of three main sections, outlined in more detail below:
- The implant itself. The support pole that’s placed in your jawbone is typically made from durable titanium renowned for its incredible lightweight strength, making it ideal for withstanding the force of everyday biting and chewing.
- The abutment. A small metal connector will be used to attach your new tooth to the implant in your jawbone.
- The restoration. Once your gums have healed sufficiently, your dentist can provide a lifelike dental crown or other appropriate restoration to close the gaps in your grin. For instance, two implants can support a specialized bridge, and four or more can anchor dentures to rebuild entire arches.
How Do Implant Materials Impact Their Longevity?
Typically, the rod surgically placed in your jaw and the attached abutment are made from titanium, which becomes a permanent part of your mouth and can potentially last the remainder of your life. But there are other options available that can affect the lifespan of your new tooth.
For instance, zirconia is another popular material that can be used. This durable ceramic material is biocompatible and resists corrosion like titanium. Plus, it can also last 15 to 20 or more years, depending on how well you care for it.
Thankfully, your prosthetics aren’t made from the same organic materials as your natural teeth, so there’s no need to worry that they’ll develop decay. However, the leading cause of failure is an advanced form of gum disease known as peri-implantitis, which erodes the tissues holding your restoration in place.
Regardless of what they’re made from, you must continue brushing and flossing twice daily and visiting your dentist for a checkup and cleaning every six months to keep them in great shape!
About the Author
Dr. Marjan Salari is passionate about improving patients’ lives by enhancing their oral health. She graduated with her dental degree from the Université Libre de Bruxelles (Belgium) and then completed a Prosthodontics residency in Europe. Today, she offers a complete menu of services to people of all ages, so you and your family receive the same top-quality care. She has completed advanced training and has the state-of-the-art equipment to provide each step of the implant process in the office, including oral surgery, so there’s no need to seek additional outside providers. You can request an appointment on the website or call (703) 763-0800.