Dental Implants: How Long Do They Last?

Dental implants are a common alternative if you require dental replacement for missing or damaged teeth.

They can increase your comfort level, help you smile more naturally, and boost your self-assurance.

Dental implants can be a great choice to replace missing or damaged teeth. However, you might be questioning if they’re permanent. Exactly how long do dental implants last?

How long do dental implants last?

The implant screw can last a lifetime with routine brushing and flossing, provided the patient visits the dentist every six months.

However, the crown typically only lasts 10 to 15 years before needing to be replaced because of wear and tear.

The position of the mouth also affects the lifespan of a dental implant. Since chewing requires more active usage of the back of the mouth implants, they will probably deteriorate more quickly than implants close to the front of the mouth.

On the other hand, maintaining good oral hygiene and using it sparingly may extend the crown’s life beyond 15 years.

What can affect their lifespan?

Several factors, including the following, can shorten a dental implant’s lifespan:

• Oral health–Dental implants require a high level of oral care, such as brushing twice daily and flossing as often as possible. Since gum disease is the most frequent reason for tooth loss, it must be treated before implants are inserted. However, if you have gum disease, the implant is more likely to fail and be rejected. In the majority of cases, the titanium root will last a lifetime, and the ceramic crown is typically the one that needs replacement.
• Lifestyle choices–Lifestyle decisions, including heavy drinking and smoking, can significantly impact the longevity of dental implants. Nicotine alters blood vessels, oxygen levels, and blood flow, increasing the likelihood of developing bacterial plaque and gum disease. Because smoking reduces the amount of oxygen in circulation, diseased gums cannot recover correctly. It is advised to wait at least 72 hours before consuming alcohol after getting your implants fitted. Because drinking alcohol thins the blood, it will not clot properly after surgery. Dehydration from excessive alcohol use also can cause the tissues in your mouth to “dry out.”
• Injury or damage–Dental implants can have a short lifespan due to unavoidable situations. Although ceramic crowns are a permanent alternative to dental implants, they are not unbreakable. Ceramic crowns can break and crack just like your natural teeth might.
• Medical conditions–Pre-existing medical issues can reduce the effectiveness of dental implants, rendering them more prone to infection and failure. The osseointegration process, which involves bonding the titanium root to the bone, is critical for long-term success. Make your dentist aware of any medical issues before beginning any treatment so that a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs can be developed. Before undergoing any treatment, make your dentist aware of any medical conditions and create a treatment plan that is customised to what you need.

One or more of these factors may have an impact on your general oral health as well as how long dental implants last.

Before starting treatment, reviewing your options with your dentist and any health issues you may have is usually best. They can then determine if dental implants are the best choice for you.

How can you make your dental implant last longer?

Dental implants can be cared for like natural teeth, such as brushing twice daily and flossing. Regular dental check-ups are essential to assess oral health and check for any issues.

Regular hygiene appointments will help to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible, ensuring that your implants last as long as possible.

Using your implants to eat and chew food only will positively impact their lifespan and condition. Trying to open bottles or plastic packaging with them as tools put unnecessary pressure on them and will limit their longevity.

Dental Implants at Cabramatta Dental Care

Cabramatta Dental Care can restore one or more worn, damaged, or infected teeth with custom-made, lifelike dental restorations such as dental implants.

At Cabramatta Dental Care, we take a gentle and meticulous approach to looking after our patients.

Visit your Cabramatta dentist today!

Call us at (02) 9755 5300 or make an appointment online.

Visit us at 47 Arthur St. in Cabramatta.