When it comes to considering the best tooth replacement options, dental implants definitely rule. But one question a lot of people wonder about when they are considering dental implants is: “How long do dental implants last?”
Thanks to advancements in dentistry in recent years, the failure of an implant due to functionality issues or rejection has become a memoir of the past. Multiple factors can affect the viability of an implant.
Factors like implant misuse, preexisting medical conditions, and other diseases are the main determinants of dental implant longevity. The answer to “How long do dental implants last?” mainly depends on the particular patient’s overall dental hygiene and lifestyle.
Understanding What Dental Implants Are
Dental implants are highly reliable prosthetic teeth that replace missing or decaying teeth from the root. They are the only tooth replacement alternative to bond to your jawbone and become a genuine part of your oral cavity. Knowing how a dental implant works is key to understanding how long dental implants last.
The implant screw is drilled into your jawbone, which fuses to the bone, acting as an anchor for a smaller post called the abutment. The abutment is attached to the implant screw, and the prosthetic tooth is fixed on top of the abutment. This way, you can get a brand new, permanent tooth replacement in three small parts.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
It has been found that properly installed dental implants have a 90% – 95% chance of survival for at least 10 – 20 years without any problems. An important point to consider while talking about “How long do dental implants last?” is how successful osseointegration is, which is the term used for dental implants to merge with your jawbone effectively. The more efficient the osseointegration is, the higher chance of success the dental implant has of behaving and functioning just like your natural teeth.
A dental implant is designed to be permanent. However, the crown may need to be replaced after 10 to 15 years since the crown is the part that faces the most wear and tear in a dental implant. A study shows that around 50 to 80 percent of crowns need to be replaced within at least fifteen to twenty years.
What Factors Inhibit the Longevity of Dental Implants?
Yes, dental implants act as a permanent solution for missing or decaying teeth. But it is also important to note that there may be an implant failure in some cases. If you are wondering about “How long do dental implants last?”, it will help you to know what factors can hinder the longevity of dental implants.
Some of the reasons why an implant may fail include:
Teeth Grinding
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is considered one of the main reasons for implant failure. Patients who suffer from this condition unknowingly grind their teeth against each other throughout the day and while sleeping.
Bruxism can lead to the gradual wearing down of dental implant components. Regularly grinding your teeth can create undue pressure on your implants, cause crown fractures, or loosen the dental implant’s root.
Location of the Implant
When talking about “How long do dental implants last?”, it is important to note that the implant’s location in your mouth also plays a significant role in deciding its lifespan. Implants at the back of your mouth tend to see more wear and tear due to regular chewing. The chances of implant failure are much lower when it is located at the front of your mouth.
Age
Age is also a major factor when considering “How long do dental implants last?”. Dental implants have a lower lasting rate in elderly people because they are more likely to have underlying bone conditions and because their healing is slower.
Ineffective Care & Maintenance
Dental implants require as much care as your natural teeth, if not more. If you ignore your implants and fail to clean them properly, it can lead to plaque deposit buildup in the lining between your implants and gums. This can damage your jawbone as well as your gums. Accumulation of plaque deposits along your gum line can also lead to gum disease.
When Should Dental Implants be Replaced?
When answering the question of “How long do dental implants last?” we also need to know when dental implants might need to be replaced.
While the success rate of implants is fairly high, there may still be cases when your dental implants may require a replacement. Here are some of those instances:
- Sudden sinus issues
- Nerve damage in the oral cavity
- Implant break
- Loose implant
- Dislodged implant
- Infection around the site of the implant
How to Improve the Lifespan of Your Dental Implants
Now that we know the answer to “How long do dental implants last?” we need to understand how we can improve the lifespan of dental implants. Aftercare is highly essential to make sure that your implants stay healthy and in top shape.
Get a Night Guard
If you are suffering from bruxism, it would be a good idea to get fitted for a night guard. This can help in preventing any damage that can be caused to the implant due to bruxism.
Floss, Floss, Floss!
The key to getting a positive answer to “How long do dental implants last?” is to floss properly and carefully. Use gentle motions to drag the floss back and forth rather than pushing it up against the implant site. You should avoid any move that may loosen the implant from its site.
Quit Smoking
Research states that smokers witnessed a 73% higher chance of implant failure than non-smokers. Tobacco damages the soft tissues of your mouth and makes it difficult for the dental implant to fuse to your jawbone.
Visit Your Dentist Twice Every Year
Your dentist can help in the upkeep of your dental implants and make sure they are functioning properly. Visiting your dentist twice yearly for checkups ensures that your dentist cleans your implants professionally and checks for any signs of excessive wear and tear or damage.
Get Long-Lasting Dental Implants at Hopkins Family Dentistry
Looking to get long-lasting dental implants from experts? You can drop by Hopkins Family Dentistry!
Hopkins Family Dentistry can give you detailed answers to questions such as “How long do dental implants last?”. We believe that finding a dentist does not have to be a terrifying experience. We are here to listen to and address your needs and concerns accordingly. Our team focuses on providing a dental experience worth your time and money. We aim to make every visit a comfortable and effortless experience that can help you solve your oral issues.
Our simple online scheduling makes booking appointments much easier! You can also call us at 952.935.2121 or email us at office@familydentistryhopkins.com to schedule your visit.
Enjoy the beauty of a long-lasting smile at Hopkins Family Dental.
