Midlothian, TX | Treatments for missing teeth have often included options like fixed dental bridges, partial dentures, flippers, and full “plates” (conventional dentures.) With today’s dental implants quickly becoming the go-to solution for tooth replacement, a lot of people want to know whether the investment is worth it or not. Especially, how long do dental implants last?
How Long Implants Last vs. Bridges, Dentures
Traditional tooth replacements like bridges and dentures are designed for long-term use, but they’re only temporary. At some point, all of them have to be changed out and replaced with a new restoration. And a lot of that longevity also depends on how well you care for your teeth.
For example, a fixed bridge might last anywhere from 10-15 years if you’re flossing around the supporting teeth every day. But if you aren’t, your bridge might need to be replaced in half that time. This scenario can lead to more frequent replacements and added long-term dental costs.
Dentures are the same way. If you don’t remove them at night, they can cause accelerated bone shrinkage in your mouth, altering the way your denture fits. After a few years, your denture will need to be adjusted and relined. A time or two after that, it will need to be replaced entirely.
Here’s where dental implants differ significantly. When properly cared for, your new dental implants should last for the rest of your life.
How do Dental Implants Last So Long?
What is it that allows a dental implant to last for decades, if not as long as you live? Osseointegration. Osseointegration is where your body’s natural bone tissues are attracted to the dental implant and fuse onto the surface. When your Midlothian dental implants are installed, the bone sees that material as a natural part of your mouth. The bone then forms a small layer of new bone between your jaw and the ribbed implant surface, essentially fusing it into place.
Once an implant is fully integrated, it becomes a permanent part of your smile, just like anatomical teeth. You’ll want to care for it and maintain it like the other teeth in your mouth. When you do, it stays right where it’s at.
Best Return on Investment
When you consider how often bridges and dentures need to be replaced, investing in dental implants is a smart choice. Your new smile is there to last a lifetime, providing you with a one-time, long-term investment that’s as close as you’ll ever get to having “real” teeth. Not only are dental implants extremely predictable, but they also look and feel natural too.
Dental Implants in Midlothian, Ellis County
Texas Institute of Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery offers comprehensive dental implant treatments in Midlothian. Whether you’re missing one tooth, several, or all of them, our Ellis County implant specialist can help you get your smile back. And with flexible financing, your investment will be easier to afford than ever.
Contact our office today for a no-obligation dental implant consultation.