How Long Do Implant Crowns Last?

Dental implant crowns provide people with natural looking teeth replacements when they are missing one or more of their natural teeth. Implants have become one of the most popular ways people replace their missing teeth. They are durable and allow people to chew their food and speak without issues, which is something they have to deal with if they have regular dentures.

Dental implants are more expensive than the other teeth replacement options. One of the biggest concerns people who are thinking about undergoing the procedure have is the durability of the implant crowns, which is something we address here.

How long do dental implant crowns last before they have to be replaced?

Dental implant crowns are usually made from porcelain, a material that is just as strong, if not stronger, than the enamel in the teeth. The average lifespan of implant crowns is 25 years. But, they can last longer if they are properly taken care of.

According to the American Dental Association, the best way to make sure implant crowns last a long time include:

Brushing and flossing

Since the implant crowns are permanently fixed in the mouth, they cannot be removed and have to be cleaned the same way regular teeth are. This means one should brush and floss at least twice a day. Also, make regular trips to the dentist to make sure there is no plaque buildup under the implant.

A regular toothbrush cannot properly clean the implant crowns. Thus, dentists recommend using Interproximal brushes to clean the area under the implant crown to prevent the buildup of plaque.

Avoiding chewing or biting hard foods

One of the quickest ways to ruin the dental implant crown is by chewing or biting down on hard foods and other objects. Dentists recommend staying away from any type of food that can damage the crown. Also, one should quit bad habits, like nail biting or using the teeth to open things, to avoid damaging the crown.

The patient’s overall health and lifestyle

Engaging in physical activity, like contact sports, can lead to the crown implant getting damaged if the patient gets hit in the mouth. Patients who engage in these types of activities should ask their dentist to make mouthguards for them. That way they can protect their teeth when they play sports.

Failure to take proper care of implant crowns will lead to the buildup of plaque on the teeth. Even though the teeth cannot decay, the bacteria and plaque on the surface of the teeth will eventually get under the gums. That can lead to infection, inflammation, bleeding, general discomfort and gum disease. If the patient still has natural teeth in their mouth, the infection can spread to the other teeth, causing more problems.

Conclusion

Dental implant crowns are used to replace missing teeth after the implant has successfully fused to the jaw. Like your natural teeth, they need to be properly taken care of if you want them to last. If you have implants or are considering getting implants to replace your missing teeth, ask your dentist to provide more tips on how to make the implant crowns last as long as possible.

Request an appointment here: https://www.dentistofvisalia.com or call Visalia Care Dental at (559) 975-1213 for an appointment in our Visalia office.

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