When considering any investment into your dental health, it's essential to consider how long the treatment option will last. Paying a lot of money for a treatment that may only last for a few years isn't something most dental patients want to do. Even though dental implants can be more of an investment than other options for replacing missing teeth, they can last many decades or even a lifetime if they are adequately cared for.
The Lifespan of Dental Implants
Dental implants can last between 10 and 30 years, depending on how well you care for them. The implant screw itself that goes into the bone can last a lifetime, but the crown usually only lasts approximately 10 to 15 years.
The factors that can cause a dental implant to fail prematurely include:
- An implant dentist's lack of experience
- Pre-existing medical conditions, such as cancer or diabetes
- Poor oral hygiene
- Location of the implant in the mouth
- Teeth grinding
- Smoking
- Failing to see your dentist on a routine basis
The crown is above the jawline and is exposed to daily wear and tear. Therefore, it's more prone to wearing out. Implants located towards the back of the mouth receives additional strain from chewing, which may cause them to fail faster than implants located near the front of the mouth.
While there is no guarantee for how long your dental implants might last, you can make your dental implants last longer with proper care, such as brushing and flossing adequately and having regular dental check-ups twice a year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Most people think that dental implants simply replace missing teeth. However, implants have more purposes than teeth replacement. They help maintain and strengthen the structure of the jawbone, enhance tooth alignment, reduce bone loss, and provide oral health. Dental implants help prevent the teeth from moving into the gap left behind by a missing tooth and prevent crooked teeth. They are long-lasting and enhance personal appearance, improve self-confidence, and improve the ability to chew food.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Implants?
Dental implants are an investment in your dental health, overall general health, and, of course, the appearance of your smile. Unfortunately, most dental insurance policies exclude coverage of a dental implant procedure. However, you may have the option to obtain cosmetic dental procedure insurance coverage, which will cover part of your cost. In some cases, your dental implant insurance coverage may cover half of the procedure cost. Even if you don't have insurance coverage, we can help with our many payment options, including monthly payment plans, CareCredit®, and Proceed Financial. We also offer senior and military discounts.
Dental Implants at Integrated Dentistry
At Integrated Dentistry, we want to give you the confident smile you deserve. For some patients, this requires dental implants. With the proper care and routine exams, your dental implants from Integrated Dentistry may last a lifetime. To learn more about our dental implant services or to schedule an appointment, please call our Bentonville, AR, office at 479-333-1300.