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How Long Do Dental Implants Last
Dentist Syracuse, NY

Rendering of jaw with dental implant at Janice K. Pliszczak, DDS in Syracuse, NY.

No one likes having to visit their dentist multiple times a year, this is why dental implants have become the go-to solution for missing teeth. The procedure is simple, requires a few visits, and lasts over 20 years. The exact lifetime of dental implants depends on a number of factors, including the patient’s health, underlying gum disease, and commitment to post-op instructions for the first few weeks after surgery.

Dental implants are composed of three parts: the implant itself, the abutment, and the crown. While the implant is designed to last a lifetime, the abutment and crown are less durable and often require replacement every five to 10 years. This is primarily because the crown is exposed to food particles and is subjected to huge amounts of chewing forces on a daily basis.

Over time, these chewing forces take their toll on the crown and abutment, requiring replacement. You can increase the lifetime of the abutment and crown by practicing good oral hygiene. Dental implants and their components last longer than bridges and other orthodontic appliances.

Signs That Your Dental Implants Require Replacement

Although the success rate of dental implants is over 95%, they may eventually fail due to a number of reasons. Here are a few signs of dental implant failure:

•	The region around the dental implant feels painful
•	The teeth feel very loose
•	You don’t take good care of your dental implants by practicing oral hygiene
•	You have peri-implantitis

Visit our skilled dentists Janice K. Pliszczak, DDS and Dr. Pliszczak at Janice K. Pliszczak, DDS for a thorough checkup to see if your dental implants are doing well or if they require replacement.

Implants vs Dentures

In the debate between implants vs dentures, the former is superior in every way except recovery times. Patients can recover from dentures in just a few weeks. However, implants may require at least three to six months for recovery. If longevity is a concern, you should definitely opt for implants.

Implants vs Bridges

Dental bridges can last 10 years or more. This is still better than dentures which require frequent replacements and checkups. Taking good care of your dental bridges can increase their longevity.

How to Increase the Longevity of Dental Implants

There are a few things you can do to maximize the life expectancy of your dental implants.

Preventing Gum Disease

You should do all you can to prevent gum disease because it can lead to implant failure. This is particularly true in the early weeks and months following dental implant surgery. The first few months of surgery are crucial because the dental implant has to fuse with the bone in a process called osseointegration.
Gum disease disrupts osseointegration and leads to dental implant failure. Make sure to schedule regular checkups with your dentist to detect gum disease and treat it early.

Staying on Top of Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene becomes particularly important after a dental implant to maintain gum health. Bad oral hygiene can lead to peri-implantitis and cause dental implant failure. This means brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing your gums.

Following Post-Op Instructions

A multiple tooth implant procedure will subject your body to a lot of stress and require a long recovery time. It is important to stick to your dentist’s post-op instructions. Failing to adhere to the post-op instructions can have devastating consequences on your dental implants and may even lead to failure.

Ready for dental implant surgery or have questions? Call us today at (315) 800-5020 to schedule an appointment!

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"You are put at ease the minute you walk into their new office on Broad Rd. Beautiful and calming surroundings. The staff couldn't be more helpful and are extremely friendly. Dr. Pliszczak is exactly what you want in a Dentist. Always concerned with your comfort, I never feel rushed, and I enjoy here friendly manner. And because of all of their meticulously thorough work, My teeth are as healthy as can be!!! Thank you Dr. Pliszczak, Jade and Nancy" ~Roamy F.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last Dentist Syracuse, NY