There is a TON of information online about dental implants, and one of the many facts you’ll see again and again is that they can often last for 20, 25, and even 30 years and beyond. This is several times longer compared to the average lifetime of other tooth replacements like dentures and bridges—why is there such a disparity? What is it about dental implants that makes them so successful and enduring while other options typically have to be replaced every five to seven years?
Incredible Materials
While a dental implant might appear to be just a small screw-like post at a glance, the first quality that makes it stand out is what it’s made of—pure titanium. Not only is it incredibly strong, but it actually becomes more durable when it’s exposed to oxygen (whereas other metals will rust and become brittle). This allows it to sustain the incredible chewing forces it’s exposed to every day, allowing a patient to eat pretty much whatever they like without implants becoming loose.
State-of-the-Art Treatment Planning
For a long time, if you needed to replace a tooth or multiple teeth, your dentist would likely take X-rays and have you bite into a mold filled with dental putty, and this would lead to a physical model that would be used to design your prosthetic. While this approach is still used, with dental implants, the accuracy and precision are brought to the next level thanks to technology.
If you’re getting implants, your dentist will take a digital impression to create a nearly perfect replica of your teeth and mouth, and you’ll also receive a CT scan. This uses several high-quality images to generate a 3D model of your oral anatomy, giving your dentist much more information in regard to your jawbone density, bite alignment, and more. In the end, this provides your dentist everything they need to place implants in a way that leads to stability and longevity.
Prevents Bone Loss
Right now, dental implants are the ONLY tooth replacement option that actively preserves the strength of the jawbone and prevents the resorption that typically occurs after tooth loss. With every bite, the posts stimulate blood flow to the area, something that traditional bridges and dentures simply can’t do. This means that the foundation for the new teeth is constantly being maintained because the body is treating them just like natural teeth.
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants are simply in a league of their own, and that’s why they enable millions of patients around the world to enjoy decades of healthy, beautiful smiles.
About the Author
Dr. Brenda Berkal has practiced dentistry for more than 45 years. A 1977 graduate of Tufts University, she has continued her education with volunteer stints in the military and coursework at the Dawson Academy and world-renowned Pankey Institute. Dr. Berkal is also a member of the American Dental Association and the American Society of Implant & Reconstructive Dentistry.
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