How long do dental implants last?
Missing teeth? Dental implants can help save the day! Dental implants are designed to replace one or more missing teeth, restoring smile appearance, function, and your overall quality of life. Dental implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone and can be used to support crowns, bridges, or dentures. The benefits of dental implants are plentiful, including perks like preventing jawbone loss, enhanced chewing and speech, improved oral health, natural look and feel to enhance smile aesthetics, and their durability and long lifespan.
Wondering how long do dental implants last? This highly stable and durable permanent tooth replacement option can potentially last a lifetime with proper care. Continue reading to learn more about dental implants and their longevity.
Key Components of Dental Implants
Dental implants are composed of three main parts: the implant body, abutment, and crown. Continue reading to learn more about these essential components.
Implant Body
Much like a natural tooth root, the implant body serves as a strong base to support the rest of the components that make up the tooth. The implant body is usually made of titanium, which becomes fused to the jawbone below the gum line. This securely holds the dental abutment and crown into place and helps properly distribute chewing and biting forces.
Abutment
Once a dental implant is fused within the jawbone, an abutment is placed on top providing an additional base and seal for the implant crown, bridge, or denture. An abutment is also typically made from titanium, and can come in different types, such as a healing abutment, custom abutment, or angled abutment.
Crown
The most noticeable component of the dental implant is the crown, which is designed to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth so that your smile looks and functions normally. A dental crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the abutment using either dental cement or an implant screw. Implant crowns can be made from materials including porcelain, ceramic, or gold or metal alloys.
How Long Do Dental Implants Typically Last?
How long can a dental implant last? The average life of dental implant ranges between 10-30 years, with the potential of lasting a lifetime with proper care. According to researchers, dental implants have an average success rate between 90-95% over 10 years. Different parts of the implant, such as the crown, may require replacement over time due to natural wear and tear.
Factors Influencing the Longevity of Dental Implants
How long does a dental implant last? The answer can depend on a variety of factors, which we explore below:
Oral Hygiene and Maintenance
Daily oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash, is necessary to maintain the health of dental implants. Routine dental check-ups for evaluation and maintenance of the implant is also key to preventing issues that could lead to implant failure.
Quality of Implant Material
How long will a dental implant last can be influenced by the type of implant material used. What are dental implants made of? Dental implants are most commonly made of titanium, which is known for its durability and strength. However, some dental implants are made of zirconia, which has aesthetic benefits of appearing more natural-looking underneath the gums than titanium, but is more prone to fracture.
Surgical Technique and Expertise
The process of surgical dental implant placement plays an important role in the success of the implant. Dental professionals, including oral surgeons, periodontist, prosthodontist, or general dentists with additional training and experience with implant placement may perform dental implant surgery. There are various techniques for implant placement that your dentist or dental surgeon can use, including one-stage, two-stage, or immediate-loading. After a thorough examination of your oral health, your dental professional will determine the best surgical technique based on your dental needs.
Bone Density and Quality
How long do implants last? Your bone density and quality play a role in implant success and longevity. Dental implants require strong bone density with good structural and chemical integrity to fuse to the jawbone and withstand natural chewing forces.
Patient’s General Health
Certain systemic health issues and medication can impact the survival rate of dental implants. For instance, uncontrolled diabetes can hinder the implant healing process and increase risk of dental infection around the implant. Heart disease, osteoporosis, periodontal disease, and autoimmune disorders may also interfere with dental implant stability and lead to complications. Medications, including antidepressants, blood thinners, and bisphosphonates, may also disrupt the implant healing process or increase the risk of complications. Be sure to inform your dentist about any past or current medical conditions or medications.
Age Considerations
In general, dental implant placement is not recommended for individuals under the age of 18 years to avoid disrupting jawbone development. Your dentist will determine jawbone maturity prior to implant placement.
Insufficient bone
Adequate bone density and quality is necessary for the success of dental implants. Insufficient bone increases the likelihood of implant mobility or failure. In some cases, bone grafting or other procedures may be needed prior to or during implant placement to improve the success of survival of the implant.
Smoking
Smoking is harmful to your oral health and overall well-being. Smoking can disrupt the healing process after dental implant placement, and increase the risk of infection, bone loss, other complications, and implant failure even after the initial healing process.
Teeth grinding
Excessive force from teeth grinding or clenching can increase the risk of dental implant failure. Your dentist may recommend a night guard or other protective appliances to prevent damage to your implant.
Understanding Implant Failure
Implant failure may occur for a variety of reasons. Learn more about common causes and signs of implant failure below:
Reasons for Implant Failure
Poor oral hygiene is one of the most common causes of dental implant failure. Improper oral habits can lead to the accumulation of bacterial plaque around the implant, which can lead to a serious gum disease associated with implants known as peri-implantitis. Certain health conditions, such as diabetes, autoimmune diseases, cancer, and osteoporosis, may also result in implant failure by impacting the body’s healing process after implant placement.
Another potential cause of implant failure is related to surgical issues. Surgical complications including improper implant site preparation and placement and excessive force or trauma during the procedure may contribute to implant failure. Other possible causes of implant failure teeth grinding, smoking, and putting excessive stress on the implant.
Signs of Potential Implant Failure
Certain signs and symptoms are commonly associated with implant failure. Prolonged or worsening pain, swelling, bleeding, gum recession, discoloration, pus, or mobility around the implant should be communicated to your dental professional immediately. Earlier evaluation and treatment can increase the chances of implant success.
Long-Term Care and Maintenance of Dental Implants
Taking care of your dental implants will help support their longevity. Continue reading for easy tips on caring for and managing your dental implants:
Routine Care Tips
Dental implants require the same oral hygiene habits as your natural teeth, including brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing daily, and routine dental check-ups and professional cleanings. A healthy diet is also necessary to maintain your dental implant. Stay hydrated with water, avoid sugary, sticky and hard foods like candy, gum, and some cereals. Consume a balanced diet with essential vitamins and minerals to support your oral health and implant. Avoid smoking and other poor oral habits, such as chewing ice, using teeth as tools, nail biting, and teeth grinding.
Do Implants Require Special Maintenance?
Dental implants require similar maintenance as natural teeth, with good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups as top priorities for maintaining health and survival. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to brush gently around the dental implant and floss between your implant to remove food particles and bacterial plaque. An antibacterial and alcohol-free mouthwash is also recommended. During your professional dental check-ups the condition of your implants will be evaluated, and a professional cleaning and other needed treatment will be scheduled for proper maintenance.
Managing Dental Implant Failure
Early detection of a failing implant can help reduce the risk of further damage. The first step to managing dental implant failure is to visit your dental professional for evaluation. Dental X-rays or other imaging may be used to determine the possible cause of implant failure and a treatment plan based on the cause and your individual dental needs. In some cases your dentist may recommend professional debridement around the implant, oral antibiotics or antiseptic therapy, laser therapy, implant removal with a possible bone graft and re-implantation, or alternative treatment.
Comparison: Dental Implants vs. Other Tooth Replacement Options
If trying to decide if dental implants are right for you, it’s important to consider other tooth replacement options such as bridges and dentures.
Advantages of Implants Over Bridges and Dentures
Dental implants can be advantageous over bridges and dentures for various reasons. In contrast to dental bridges and dentures, implants offer greater stability, durability, comfort, natural aesthetics, and can help prevent bone loss. Bridges and dentures typically require several maintenance appointments, as they are not anchored to the jawbone and may shift or become loose impacting appearance, function and speech.
Is a Dental Implant Right for You?
To determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants, a thorough dental examination is necessary. In general, a good candidate for dental implants is an adult with good oral hygiene and overall health, sufficient jawbone quality and density, and good lifestyle habits.
Expert Dental Implant Care at Great Lakes Family Dental
You won’t want to pass up on the amazing dental implant care at Great Lakes Family Dental! Our caring team of dentists and dental specialists are here to help you and your family with state-of-the-art implant services and comprehensive dental care. Call us today to schedule a consultation with our affordable dental experts.
Conclusion
Dental implants are a great permanent tooth replacement option that can last a lifetime. Dental implants are safe, reliable, durable, and naturally aesthetic to improve smile appearance and function. With good oral health and overall health, routine dental maintenance check-ups, quality implant material and surgical technique, and proper lifestyle habits. Speak with your dentist right away to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants.
