If you have missing or badly damaged teeth, you might consider a dental restoration procedure. While there are several available procedures for replacing a missing tooth, a dental implant can be a viable solution. But before choosing a dental implant, you might want to know how long it will last. Here’s more information about dental implants, including how long they last and factors that affect their lifespan:
How Long Will My Dental Implant Last?
When properly maintained, a dental implant can last a lifetime. It serves as a permanent solution for replacing a missing or badly damaged tooth. Dentists anchor this fixture into your jawbone to create a strong foundation for an artificial tooth. A solid foundation is one of the reasons the implant lasts longer.
Your dentist will wait a few months for the implant root to bond with the jawbone. After this, they can attach a dental crown to the implant. The crown resembles a natural tooth and will match the color and shape of the surrounding teeth. While dental implants last decades or a lifetime, crowns might need replacement after 10-15 years. Dental crowns are more vulnerable than implants as they experience daily wear and tear.
What Factors Affect a Dental Implant’s Lifespan?
Although implants have a longer lifespan, they might fail prematurely due to several factors. It’s advisable to seek aftercare advice from your dentist to minimize the chances of dental implant failure. Here are the factors that could shorten your implant’s lifespan:
Poor Oral Hygiene
Failure to maintain good oral hygiene might lead to the accumulation of plaque and tooth infections. This could result in peri-implantitis (an inflammation around the implant). With time, this infection might damage the jawbone and cause implant failure. To avoid this, it is advisable to maintain recommended oral hygiene practices, which include regular brushing and flossing. You should also visit your dentist regularly for professional dental checkups and cleanings.
Insufficient Jawbone
Medical conditions like osteoporosis or peri-implantitis can lead to bone loss over time. Insufficient jawbone structure fails to secure the implant, making it unstable. If you have insufficient jawbone, your dentist may recommend a bone grafting procedure before adding a dental implant.
Teeth Grinding
Repeated teeth grinding (bruxism) can interfere with your dental implant, leading to failure. It creates excessive pressure that may fracture the implant or loosen the screw. Your dentist may recommend wearing nightguards to prevent sleep bruxism.
Smoking
Some studies show that smoking lowers the success rate of a dental implant. Smoking limits the amount of blood flowing to the gums, compromising the healing process. It negatively impacts osseointegration, leading to implant failure.
Certain Health Conditions
Underlying health conditions like diabetes can cause dental implant failure. Diabetes damages nerves and blood vessels, making it difficult for the area around the implant to heal. Various cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy might also damage the surrounding tissues and jawbone. They prevent the area around the implant from healing normally. Seek your doctor’s assistance to maintain good control of any underlying health issues that could compromise healing after getting dental implants.
Getting the Most Out of Dental Implants
A dental implant does more than replace a missing tooth. It also improves your chewing function and your smile. With proper installation and maintenance, your implant could last a lifetime. You’ll often need to visit your dentist to check the implant’s condition and address potential issues early. Contact an experienced dentist today to get long-lasting dental implants.
