How long do dental implants last today? That depends on a
couple of factors. One, of course, is how well you take care of
them. You need to brush and floss - keep them clean, to prevent
inflammation around the implants.
Second, a lot depends on how well they were put in. Because
dental implantology is such a new field and isn't yet a part of the
standard dental school curriculum in all dental schools, many
dentists are trying to place them when they haven't had the full
education required to do them well. Also, many dentists are trying
to cut their costs. For example, there are 200 companies making
dental implant fixtures. Only six of these, however, produce
fixtures certified by the American Dental Association. To be
certified, they have to supply research demonstrating that the
fixtures are safe and effective. If you have non-certified fixtures
placed, your treatment will likely not last as long, because the
chances of developing a loose implant, or infection, or other
problem will be greater. Certified fixtures are made to very
exacting tolerances, and these standards aren't followed for the
"generic" fixtures.
But the temptation is high for dentists to use non-certified
fixtures, because the high-quality certified ones cost about one
hundred times as much. One part of the implant, for example, will
cost $300-500 if it is a high-quality, carefully sterilized,
exacting tolerance, name brand fixture. The same part will cost $3-5
if it is a non-name brand fixture, made in the Philippines. And the
patient won't know the difference until possibly years later.
So how long do the implants last? It depends on you, and on the
care and expertise of your dentist. Poor quality treatment can lead
to implant failure.
Dr. Chal has an international reputation for excellence, and
patients come to him from around the country and even from distant
parts of the globe. To learn why, you may want to see his impressive
list of credentials, or visit his
main web site to read the
testimonials of grateful patients and see photographs of some of his
amazing work.
Related information:
