If you have been presented with a treatment plan for dental implants, your next question is probably how long do teeth implants last. And that’s not surprising, because implants do require a considerable time and financial investment on your part. The good news is, that with proper care, your implant should last for a long time. Let’s take a closer look at why, and what you can do to ensure maximum lifespan from your dental implant.
What Are Dental Implants And How Do They Work?
Out of the tooth replacement options that are currently available, dental implants offer the closest resemblance to a natural tooth. The implant is a small metal screw that functions as an anchor for an abutment and a dental crown. Made out of titanium alloy, the dental implant is surgically embedded into your jaw as a permanent fixture, so unlike dentures, it cannot move around in your mouth and can’t be removed for eating and drinking.
One of the biggest advantages of a dental implant is its permanence and long lasting tendency. Dentures generally need to be replaced every few years because they change shape and stop fitting well when the jaw loses bone density.
How Long Do Teeth Implants Last?
Dental implants, when performed by a qualified and experienced dental practitioner, and with good dental care, can last for the rest of your lifetime. It is a good idea to check on the implant brand your dentist wants to use in your dental implant surgery because not all implants are created equal and some may last for longer than others.
Of course, the dental crown that is attached to the dental implant may not last forever. You can expect your crown to last for an average of between five and 15 years, depending on the material used to create it.
Dental implants have a high success rate – between 95 and 98%, and this is because of the strict criteria that dental professionals must enforce before going ahead with dental implant surgery. Generally speaking patients who:
- Have unmanaged chronic health conditions (such as diabetes)
- Have health conditions that inhibit their body’s ability to heal
- Smoke
- Have gum disease
Patients with these risk factors would typically not be able to go ahead with dental implant surgery because there is a high risk of implant failure.
What Is Dental Implant Failure And What Causes It?
Sometimes a dental implant does fail and even though your dentist may have done the necessary checks, it is possible for things to go wrong. Some of the potential problems associated with dental implants include:
Infection At The Site
Because dental implants require surgery there is always the risk of infection at the site. This is why it is paramount that you practice good dental hygiene and that you quit smoking before your procedure. Keeping your mouth clean is a very important part of a successful dental implant procedure.
If you do develop peri-implantitis, it is essential that you receive treatment to prevent the infection from spreading. If it does spread it can cause bone and further tooth loss.
Implants That Are Poorly Positioned
Implants need to be well positioned in order for them to withstand the forces of biting and chewing. If they are not correctly sized or placed they can loosen.
As you can see, the skill and experience of your dental practitioner is a major factor in how long your dental implants last. Choosing a dental practitioner with the relevant experience plays a major role in the successful outcome of your procedure.
How To Care For Your Dental Implants?
In general dental implants require the same level of care that your natural teeth do, but if you lost your tooth because of poor oral hygiene, it’s probably a sign you need to improve your habits. Ask your dentist or oral hygienist how best to brush and floss, and make sure you do it twice daily. It is best to use a soft bristled toothbrush, at an angle to your gum line, to ensure you clean plaque build up effectively.
Make sure you visit your dentist twice a year so that he or she can inspect your teeth for the early signs of tooth decay. Your dentist will remove any plaque that your toothbrush cannot, to prevent it from turning into tartar build up.
Do you still want to know more about how long do teeth implants last? It’s always best to get professional advice before moving forward with treatment. Please contact us for an appointment: (03) 8737 9359.
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