A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is surgically placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place. The benefit of a dental implant is their close resemblance to real teeth and their lack of need for support from neighboring teeth because of their permanent and stable nature. Dental implants are ideal for those individuals who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, injury, etc.
Though the lifespan of a dental implant varies from patient to patient, many individuals report their implant lasting upward to 30 years after surgery. Through the practice of good oral hygiene and regular cleanings, dental implants should last an entire lifetime!
Dental Implant Lifespan
The structural nature of dental implants increases its longevity in a variety of ways. Within months following the procedure in which an oral surgeon places a dental implant in the mouth, the device fuses with the bone in order to become a permanent structure in the jaw. The implant itself is also resistant to decay because of the physical connection it has to the jaw, which prevents jawbone erosion.
While dental implants can be long lasting, their ultimate success is defined by the suitability of the patient for the procedure and the patient’s post-operative efforts to care for the implant, along with any remaining biological teeth.
For more information, or to learn more about your own suitability for dental implants as a means for tooth replacement, call our Northern Virginia office today at 703.388.2805 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Gocke. Find out if dental implants are right for you!
