How Long Do Dental Implants Last? Everything You Need to Know About Dental Implants

Has your dentist recommended that you get dental implants? Not sure what those are or asking yourself, "How long do dental implants last?" We’re here to guide you!

In this article, we’re covering the basics you need to know about dental implants. After reading, you’ll know what they are, whether or not you need them, and what having them means for you.

Dental implants are metal, screw-like posts that dentists surgically place in your jawbone. They’re used to replace missing or damaged teeth with artificial teeth that look and function the same. They’re often used as an alternative to bridgework and dentures.

The type of surgery involved depends on the condition of your jawbone and the type of implant the doctor recommends. This process can often involve several procedures. But the process typically involves cutting the gum to expose the bone and then drilling a hole in where the implant will be placed.

There are several reasons why your dentist may recommend that you get dental implants. Dentists typically recommend this procedure if you have one or more missing teeth, are unable or unwilling to wear dentures, and have a fully-grown jawbone and adequate bone to secure the implants. They will typically recommend this surgery if dentures or bridgework wouldn’t fit well or if you don’t have teeth roots that would allow for those two things.

Like any kind of surgery, there are some risks involved with a dental implants procedure. But these risks are relatively rare and minor, and most problems can be easily treated.

This surgery can result in injury to teeth or blood vessels, infection at the implant site, and nerve damage. Thankfully, these issues aren’t common, and a dentist can treat them effectively in little to no time.

Since dental implant treatments are typically custom and there are different types of dental implants, there’s not a single set price for the surgery. How much you spend depends on a variety of factors, including the number of appointments and procedures and how many implants you need to get. In general, however, the cost of this surgery tends to be comparable to other similar tooth replacement procedures.

A single dental implant tends to cost between $3,000 to $4,500 on average. If that cost seems high, it’s because it covers a lot of different procedures such as bone augmentation and extraction. So, if you see a dentist offering the service for cheaper than that be sure to ask them what’s included in the cost and the types of dental implants they plan to use.

Additionally, it’s best to look for an experienced, credentialed implant dentist who has experience in many areas of dentistry. They’re the ones most qualified to handle that job and can answer any questions about the process that you need to know.

In some cases, insurance may cover this dental implants procedure. If they don’t, they may be willing to give you an allowance to put toward the dental implants. The dentists at Signature Smiles can also work with you to determine a financing and payment plan that works for you.

Dental implants have an incredibly high success rate, and with proper care, they can last longer than 25 years or your entire lifetime. To make them last as long as possible, be sure to practice proper oral hygiene and see your dentist regularly for checkups. And do your best to avoid habits that are damaging to your teeth, such as chewing on hard items and eating foods that stain.

From helping your jawbone to improving your smile, dental implants can dramatically increase your oral health and confidence. Now that we've answered "how long do dental implants last?" and "how expensive are they?," you have all the information you need to make an informed decision about this process.

Are you looking to learn more about dental implants? Or do you simply need a new dentist? Contact us and we'll help you with all your dental needs!