Dental implants can help replace missing or damaged teeth, and they can last for decades when properly taken care of. But how long do dental implants actually last? What is the average lifespan of a dental implant?
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at dental implant lifespans and find out what you can do to help make your implants last as long as possible. So keep reading to learn more!
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants are a well-known choice for tooth replacement. This is because they are more durable than other replacement teeth options.
Dental implants are designed to last for decades, with an average lifespan of about 25 years.
However, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to how long dental implants actually last. The longevity of teeth implants may vary from person to person, influenced by several factors. With proper care, however, dental implants can give you many years of beautiful smile.
What Factors Affect The Lifespan Of A Dental Implant?
Dental implants are durable. However, like all dental appliances, they have a limited lifespan. Several factors can affect how long your dental implants will last, such as:
Oral Hygiene
If you don’t take care of your teeth, gums, and implants, your dental implants will likely fail. That’s why it’s important to floss and brush regularly and to see your dentist for regular checkups and professional cleaning. Patients who develop gum disease or other oral health problems due to poor oral hygiene are more likely to experience dental implant failure.
Implant Quality
Poor-quality implants are more likely to fail than those made with high-quality materials. Choose a dental implant provider that uses quality materials. This can be more expensive, but quality implants are better investments in the long run since they last longer and are safer for oral health.
Presence of Certain Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions can also affect implant lifespan. For example, people with diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or cardiovascular disease are at higher risk for implant failure. This is because these conditions can reduce blood flow to the implant site, which can delay healing and increase the risk of infection. You should inform your dentist if you have any medical conditions before getting dental implants.
Smoking
Smoking is another risk factor for implant failure. This is because smoking can delay healing and increase the risk of infection. If you smoke, it is highly recommended that you quit before having dental implants.
Implant Placement
How the implants are placed will also affect their lifespan. If the implants are not placed correctly, they are more likely to fail. Choose a qualified implant dentist who has experience placing implants correctly.
Understanding these factors that affect dental implant lifespan can help make your implants last as long as possible.
How Do You Care For A Dental Implant?
While dental implants are very strong and durable, it is still important to take care of them properly to maintain oral health and reap their benefits. Here are some tips for caring for your dental implants:
- Brush and floss your teeth as you would normally. Be sure to clean around the base of the implant where it meets the gum line.
- Use an interdental brush to prevent plaque buildup between the implant and adjacent teeth.
- See your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings.
- Avoid smoking, which can lead to implant failure and other oral health problems.
- Eat a healthy diet and avoid sugary snacks or drinks that can cause tooth decay.
- Avoid biting on ice or eating hard foods, which can damage your implants.
- If you have bruxism or you grind your teeth at night, talk to your dentist about getting a mouthguard to protect your implants.
- If you have medical conditions that could affect oral health, be sure to tell your dentist so they can provide appropriate care.
- Get regular dental x-rays to check on the condition of your implants and surrounding bone structure.
Following these simple tips can help lengthen the lifespan of your dental implants!
Can Dental Implants Be Replaced?
Generally, dental implants enjoy a high success rate. However, like all dental appliances, there is a small chance that they will fail. If an implant fails, it has to be replaced. The good news is that dental implants can be replaced without any major problems.
There are a few different signs that indicate that a dental implant needs to be replaced.
- The implant is starting to become loose. A loose implant is an unstable implant and needs attention right away.
- There is severe pain near the implant site.
- There is swelling near the implant site.
- The implant is starting to discolour, or there is visible wear and tear.
- The implant has been exposed by receding gums.
- There seems to be an infection near the implant site.
- There is damage to the gum tissue near the implant site.
- There is bone loss around the implant site.
- If the oral health of the patient, in general, starts to decline.
- The patient develops new allergies or sensitivities after getting the implant.
If any of these signs are present, it’s advisable to consult a dentist to see if a replacement might be necessary.
Final Thoughts
While there is no simple answer to the question of how long a dental implant will last, several factors can impact its longevity. These include oral health, medical conditions and the quality of the implant itself. With proper care, most dental implants will last for many years.
If you’re considering dental implants because of tooth loss, consult a qualified dentist. There are several tooth replacement options available, so make sure you’re getting the most accurate information about whether they’re right for you.
Clear Choice Dental has clinics in Yokine and Maddington, and our team would be happy to assist you. Give us a call today! We look forward to helping you achieve optimum oral health!
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of dental implants will differ depending on several factors, such as the type of implant used, the number of teeth being replaced, and the complexity of the procedure.
The average cost of teeth implants is between $3,000 and $6,000. However, this will increase if additional procedures such as bone grafting, sinus lifts, gum grafting, or tooth extractions are required.
A dental implant consists of three main parts: the titanium post, the abutment, and the dental prosthetic.
- The titanium post is placed directly into the jaw bone. This is what provides support for the new tooth and acts as the artificial tooth root.
- The abutment is the connector piece placed on top of the titanium post. It is usually made of metal.
- The dental prosthetic is the new tooth that is placed on top of the abutment. It is the visible part of the implant that looks like a natural tooth. The false tooth can either be a dental crown, denture, or bridge.
Having a loose dental implant can be a stressful experience, but it is important to remain calm and take action immediately. Here are five tips for what to do if your dental implant loosens:
- Contact your oral surgeon or dentist: They can assess the situation and determine the appropriate course of action.
- Schedule an appointment: During this appointment, your oral surgeon will examine the area around the loose implant and take X-rays to determine if the implant is still in place. They may also recommend a course of treatment, such as oral antibiotics, to prevent infection.
- Do not delay treatment: It is important to seek dental treatment as soon as possible after a dental implant loosens, as this can help increase the chances of success.
- Be prepared for additional surgery: In some cases, it may be necessary to undergo another surgery to remove the loose implant and place a new one. This surgery will likely require more recovery time than the initial surgery.
- Keep up with oral hygiene: Once your implant has been placed, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene habits to reduce the risk of infection and ensure long-term success. This includes brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and avoiding tobacco products.
Teeth implants can help improve your smile’s appearance and prevent other oral health problems by preventing bone loss.
When you lose teeth, the roots that once held them in place are no longer there to stimulate the jawbone and keep it healthy. This can lead to bone loss and a change in the shape of your face.
Dental implants are inserted into the jawbone to provide support and stimulation, helping to prevent bone loss and maintain the shape of your face.
