Dental implants. Maybe the mere mention makes you reach protectively for your wallet.
Or maybe you’ve thought about it for some time but are still unsure whether dental implants last long enough to be worth the investment.
With that in mind, let’s talk about how long dental implants last, specifically:
- How much longer do dental implants last than alternatives?
- Why do they last longer than alternatives?
- How much does a dental implant restoration cost?
- Does insurance cover dental implants?
How long dental implants last
With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
Compared to the alternatives, that could be twice as long or, in many cases, even more.
Here’s why:
With proper care and maintenance, even the highest quality dentures will need to be replaced after seven to 10 years. And that’s if you don’t experience any changes to the shape of your mouth; shifted teeth can lead to dentures needing to be re-lined or remade.
Fixed bridges are in a similar boat and can last anywhere from five to 15 years, with the average falling somewhere in the 10 year mark. Again, depending on how well you look after them.
Dental implants, on the other hand, fare far better. With proper care, they can last a lifetime! What’s a lifetime? On average, dental implants can last 25 years and longer.
While you might save more in the short-term on dentures or other alternatives, you could end up spending as much, or even more, in the long-term than if you had chosen dental implants.
Why implants last longer than alternatives
What is it about dental implants that enables them to last so much longer than alternatives?
The answer is quite simple:
Modern technology.
Let’s elaborate:
Dental implant restoration isn’t new, not by any means. It wasn’t just revealed for the first time at last year’s Dental Convention as the latest procedure in dentistry.
In fact, the first case of dental implant restoration was in 1965… opens in a new window to News Medical website…. You read that right; almost 60 years ago!
And those 60 years come with millions of successful procedures, experiences and, most of all, the technological improvements of modern dentistry. All these factors combined lead to longer-lasting dental implants.
How to clean dental implants
We’ve mentioned already that, with proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. So let’s take a moment to talk about that proper care.
After all, if you’re going to spend the money on dental implants, you want them to last as long as possible.
The good news is that taking care of dental implants is fairly easy.
If you’re brushing your teeth and flossing, then you’ll find taking care of your dental implants to be almost second nature.
The basics of using a soft-bristled brush and brushing twice a day, or more, are your first steps. Easy, right?
So what are the other steps to go that extra mile in ensuring your dental implants are well-cared for?
Most of it comes down to flossing:
- Water-flosser – A great choice since it can effectively hit the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth.
- Crown and bridge floss – designed to clean under and around your implants.
How much are dental implants?
There isn’t a set price for dental implants because every patient is unique.
There are a number of factors that could contribute to the cost, including:
- CT scans and x-rays
- The dental implant itself
- Extra procedures (bone grafting, tooth extractions, etc.)
However:
While this procedure is an investment, it’s well worth it as you’re getting your smile’s beauty and function back.
If you’re wondering about the exact cost, it’s best to contact your dentist for a consultation.
Does dental insurance cover implants?
If you’re ready to jump in and get that stunning smile you deserve, you might be wondering if your dental insurance will cover the cost.
The truth is, it depends on your insurance. While it’s unlikely your provider will cover 100% of the cost, some providers might cover a percentage of it.
Are you a candidate for dental implants?
Before starting the dental implant procedure, it’s essential you go to your main Wilmington dentist to determine if you’re a candidate for dental implants.
They’ll check if your surrounding teeth and gums are healthy and you have adequate jawbone available to fuse with the implant post.
From there, they’ll decide if you’re a proper candidate for dental implants
Looking for a Wilmington implant dentist?
Smith Family Dentistry has been proudly brightening smiles in Wilmington, NC since 1966.
If you have missing or damaged teeth, we would gladly sit with you to discuss if dental implants are the best option for you.
We also provide a host of other, routine dental services, from routine exams and cleanings to smile makeovers and much more!
Contact us to make a booking:
- Phone: 910-762-5235
- Email: hello@claytonsmithdentistry.com
Smith Family Dentistry is located in Wilmington, NC… opens in a new window to Google Maps… and happily serves patients from surrounding areas, including Carolina Beach, Wrightsville Beach, Castle Hayne, Rocky Point, Burgaw, Leland, Kure Beach, Jacksonville, Surf City, Topsail Beach, Holly Ridge, Sneads Ferry, Hampstead, Riegelwood, Bolton, Lake Waccamaw, Southport, Delco, Bolivia, Wallace, and Rose Hill, NC.