Dental implants are a popular tooth replacement option. They are made of titanium and are surgically implanted into the jaw bone. Over time, the bones fuse with the titanium post, providing a strong and secure foundation for artificial teeth.
It is said that one of the biggest advantages of dental implants is longevity. But how long do dental implants last? What causes them to fail? And what kind of care do they require?
In this blog post, we’ll answer those questions and more. Keep reading for the scoop on dental implants!
How Long Will My Implant Teeth Last?
The lifespan of dental implants is usually around 25 years. However, it’s important to note that this is an average – some implants may last much longer, while others may need to be replaced after 10-15 years.
Many factors can affect the lifespan of dental implants, such as the quality of the implant, the location of the implant, and the oral hygiene habits of the patient. With proper care, however, they can provide years of trouble-free function.
How Can I Extend the Lifespan of My Teeth Implants?
Dental implants are a great long-term investment in your smile to replace damaged teeth. With proper care, implants can last for many years. Here are four tips to extend the lifespan of your implants:
- Quit smoking and avoid alcohol:
Smoking and alcohol can impair blood flow to the gums and increase the risk of infection, both of which can cause dental implant complications. - Avoid grinding your teeth:
Grinding or clenching them can put excessive stress on the implant, causing it to loosen over time. If you need help managing this behaviour, talk to your dentist about getting a mouthguard. - Eat a healthy diet:
A healthy diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables helps to keep your gums healthy and decreases the likelihood of infection. Avoid sugary snacks and drinks, which can promote tooth decay. Also, avoid sticky, hard, and chewy foods to avoid damaging your implants. - Practise good oral hygiene:
Brushing twice a day and flossing daily helps to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums, reducing the risk of gum disease and implant failure. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles, so you don’t damage your gums. - See your dentist regularly:
Regular checkups and cleanings allow your dentist to identify any potential problems early on and help to keep your implants in good shape. Regular professional cleanings are also important to address bacterial plaque buildup. - Avoid putting too much force on your dental implants:
Avoid chewing hard foods or using your teeth as tools, as this can put undue stress on the metal post of the implant and cause it to fail prematurely.
By following these simple tips, you can help extend the lifespan of your dental implants – ensuring they remain strong and healthy for years to come!
Also Read :- How long does it take to get Dentures
Do Dental Implants Fail?
Many factors contribute to the success or failure of dental implants. Generally, dental implants have a success rate of 90-95% or higher, meaning only about 5-10% of implants fail. However, this dental treatment can still fail. The reasons for implant failure can vary; some causes are more common than others.
What Causes Dental Implants to Fail?
Several factors can shorten the lifespan of dental implants. Here are five of the most common causes of dental implant failure:
- Poor oral hygiene:
One of the most important things you can do to ensure the longevity of your dental implants is to practise good oral hygiene. This means brushing and flossing regularly and seeing your dentist for cleanings and checkups. Plaque buildup can weaken the implant and eventually lead to failure. - Smoking:
Smoking is another major cause of dental implant failure. The nicotine in cigarettes can reduce blood flow to the gums, leading to infection and inflammation. Additionally, smokers are more likely to develop gum disease, which can also damage the implant. - Trauma:
Dental implants are designed to be strong and durable but can still be damaged by trauma. If you have an accident that results in a blow to the mouth, it’s possible that the implant could be damaged or dislodged. - Infection:
One of the most common complications associated with any surgical or invasive procedure, including dental implants, is infection. This can occur if bacteria are introduced to the area around the implant during dental implant surgery. To help reduce the risk of infection, it’s important to choose an experienced implant dentist and to follow all post-operative care instructions carefully. - Poor osseointegration:
Osseointegration is the process by which the implant fuses with the bone. If this process is not successful, the implant will not be able to support a dental prosthesis. Several factors can affect osseointegration, including poor implant placement, inadequate bone density, and medical conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes.
If you are considering dental implants, you must talk to your dentist about the potential risks and complications involved. Ask your dentist during the initial consultation. Understanding the causes of implant failure can help increase your chances of success.
What Are the Signs of a Failed Dental Implant?
The signs of a failed dental implant can vary depending on the underlying cause. However, some common signs may indicate an issue, such as:
- Persistent or severe pain and inflammation around the implant site
- Instability or looseness of the implant post
- The implant may be visible above the gum line, or there may be gaps between the implant and the surrounding teeth
- The implant falling out
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to contact your dentist immediately so they can assess the situation and determine the right course of action.
How Often Should Dental Implants Be Replaced?
Unlike dental bridges and dentures, dental implants are designed to last a lifetime with good care. However, they may need to be replaced over time due to wear and tear, gum disease, or decay of the surrounding teeth.
In general, dental implants are replaced every 10 to 15 years. While the titanium root (tooth root) may last for many years, the dental crown, or the prosthetic tooth, may need to be replaced more often. So it’s important to visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings so that they can monitor your implant and determine when it may need to be changed.
If the implant is not replaced promptly, this could lead to damage to the surrounding teeth and gums, and cause further complications.
Final Thoughts
Dental implants are an excellent way to replace one or more missing teeth. However, like all dental prosthetics, they will eventually need to be replaced. Depending on the individual, this may be after several years or decades.
The good news is that dental implants can usually be removed and replaced without any significant damage to the surrounding teeth. It is important to visit your dentist regularly so that they can monitor the condition of your implants and check if they are still in good shape.
If you have questions about dental implant treatment or would like to book an appointment, please do not hesitate to schedule an appointment at our dental clinic. Our team at Ashburton Dental Centre would be happy to help you get the care you need. Thanks for reading!
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental implants offer several benefits and advantages over dentures.
- Implants look and feel more like natural teeth than dentures.
- They don’t require messy adhesives to stay in place.
- They are surgically attached to the jawbone, so you don’t have to worry about them coming loose or falling out.
- Implants also help preserve the integrity of your jawbone and prevent bone loss, while dentures can cause the bone to resorb over time.
- Implants typically last much longer than dentures, so you don’t have to worry about replacing them as often.
Yes, you can have the titanium screws (artificial tooth root) placed right after extraction. This is known as immediate loading or immediate implant placement and can be done in a single appointment.
Immediate loading allows you to get your restoration faster than if you had to wait for weeks for the area to heal before placing the implant.
However, not all patients are candidates for immediate loading. Those with insufficient bone would need a bone graft before getting dental implants. It is important to discuss this with your dentist before making any decisions.
Bone grafting procedures are generally not very painful and can be performed with local anaesthesia. Your dentist will discuss any pain relief options available to you before the surgical procedure is started. They may also prescribe medications to help manage your discomfort during recovery.
While there may be some pain associated with the dental implant procedure, most patients find that it is well worth it due to improved oral health and more natural-looking results. Local anaesthesia is used during the procedure, which will numb the treatment area.
The amount of pain you experience depends on your pain threshold, how complex your particular case is, and what method your dentist uses to place the implant.
However, there are a few things you can do to help manage any discomfort associated with the dental implant procedure. This includes taking medication before and after the implant surgery and using good oral and dental hygiene practices during the healing process.
Ultimately, tooth implants are worth the pain because they look and feel like real teeth. These long-term tooth replacement option helps improve your quality of life.
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