How Long Do Dental implants Last?

Losing a permanent tooth is something nobody wants to happen. Not only can the loss of such a visible tooth cost you your self-confidence, but it will also affect the overall function of your teeth and cause the other teeth to move. The good news is that you do not have to suffer the space vacated by your missing tooth for the rest of your days. If you lose a tooth, you will have a number of treatment options, including getting a dental implant to fill the empty space. Dental implants offer a long-term solution for missing teeth. Unlike dentures or bridges, implants provide a stable, durable, and natural-looking replacement that can last for many years. But just how long do dental implants last? Various factors affect the life of implants, including oral hygiene, lifestyle habits, and the quality of the implant procedure. We outline these factors below.

To better understand the answer to this question, you should have a complete understanding of what dental implants are.

Dental implants consist of three main components.

The Implant Post

The implant post is a titanium or zirconia screw that is inserted surgically into the patient’s jawbone to act as a root.

The Abutment

An abutment holds the crown in place. It is placed on top of the implant post.

The Crown

The crown is the part of the implant that one sees when looking at a completed dental implant. It mimics the appearance of your natural teeth.

When implants are properly placed and maintained, implants can be your permanent solution when it comes to restoring the aesthetics and function of your teeth.

Factors that Affect the Lifespan of Dental Implants

Generally, implants can last for 25 years or more. With proper care, implants can even last a lifetime. However, it is also important for you to understand the difference between the longevity of the implant post and the prosthetic components.

Implant Post

The titanium or zirconia screw used as post is supposed to be permanent. With excellent oral care and no bad luck, it should last a lifetime.

Abutment and Crown

These components face more wear and tear than the implant post. As a result, they may need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years. The longevity depends on different factors, such as the quality of the material, chewing habits, and frequency of teeth grinding.

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is crucial to the longevity of dental implants. You do not want to have oral problems like gum disease and peri-implantitis that will cause implant failure. To avoid these problems, be sure that you are regularly brushing and flossing your teeth. Ensure that you regularly see your dentist for dental check-ups and cleanings.

Lifestyle Habits

Some lifestyle habits can affect the lifespan of dental implants.

1. Smoking

Smoking negatively impacts one’s health in more ways than one. When it comes to dental health, smoking not only increases the chances of infections, but it is also good for bone healing.

2. Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

Excessive teeth grinding or clenching can put extra pressure on the implants. This can cause premature wear and damage.

3. Diet

Gum disease can affect implant stability. This means gum disease should be avoided, and so should the foods that contribute to its development, like acidic foods or sugary foods and drinks.

4. Alcohol Consumption

Excessive alcohol consumption can disrupt the healing process after the procedure and negatively affect your overall oral health.

Bone Density and Bone Health

The implant should properly fuse into the patient’s jawbone for it to remain stable. If bone density is insufficient, the implant may not integrate well. This could lead to early implant failure. In some cases, bone grafting is required before implant placement. This helps ensure that there will be long-term success.

Quality of the Implant and Procedure

Remember that implants must be properly placed if they are going to be integrated into the jawbone. There is a much greater chance of success if the surgery is performed by a surgeon skilled in implant placement techniques who uses quality materials. Take the time to find a highly rated surgeon to lower your chance of complications.

An inexperienced surgeon may make mistakes in the number of implants to use or may injure the periodontal tissue. An experienced surgeon will not commit such mistakes.

How to Make Your Implants Last

Maintain excellent oral hygiene
Visit your dentist regularly
Avoid smoking and drinking
Use a night guard
Eat a balanced diet
Avoid chewing on hard objects.
Promptly address any concerns or issues.

When Implants Fail

Implants usually have a high success rate between 95-98%. However, failures happen because of infection, bone loss, or mechanical stress. Unfortunately, when failure occurs, the implant has to be removed. A new implant may be placed after the healing process.

Patients who have underlying health conditions like diabetes may slow down the healing process, which can prevent osseointegration and increase the rate of failure.

Talk to Us About Your Options Today

Implants are an excellent long-term solution for your missing teeth. They have the potential to last your lifetime if you give them the proper care they deserve, take care of your overall health, and visit your dentist regularly. However, implant failures can also happen because of several reasons. One of which is an inexperienced surgeon. If you have been considering getting implants for your missing teeth, set an appointment with us, and our experienced surgeons will be happy to discuss your options so you can arrive at an informed decision.