If you have missing or damaged teeth, dental implants are often the best way to restore the health and appearance of your smile. They not only ensure that your teeth stay in proper alignment, they mimic the natural structure of teeth, giving you a complete smile that looks and feels just like your natural teeth.
Because of the time and expense involved with dental implants, one of the most common questions patients ask is: How long do dental implants last? Keep reading to find out the answer to this and other questions patients frequently ask about dental implants!
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are medical devices that act as artificial tooth roots. They are surgically implanted into the jawbone, where they fuse with the bone to provide a stable foundation for crowns, bridges, and dentures.
They are made of medical-grade titanium or titanium alloy and comprise three parts: the implant body, which goes into the bone; the abutment, which fits into the implant body; and the crown, which is attached to the abutment.
What Happens During a Dental Implant Procedure?
A dental implant procedure typically occurs in three stages: planning, implant placement, and crown restoration.
Planning
In the planning stage, a digital scan is made of the teeth, gums, and jawbone. This scan is used to create a precise treatment plan, ensuring that implants are properly placed for optimal oral health outcomes.
Implant Placement
The first stage is implant placement. During this stage, the implant body (post) is surgically inserted into the jawbone, usually by a general dentist or specialist.
Once placed, it can take 3-6 months or longer for the jawbone to fuse with the implant in a process called osseointegration. If the jawbone has lost density, the healing process after placement can strengthen the bone, helping ensure the implant is held firmly in place.
The abutment, which connects the implant to the final restoration, may be placed either at the time of implant surgery or after osseointegration is complete. If placed later, a minor procedure is required to expose the implant and attach the abutment, followed by a short healing period.
Crown Restoration
Once the jawbone has fully fused with the implant and the abutment is in place, the final step is securing a custom-made crown. These crowns are designed to blend naturally with surrounding teeth.
A crown is typically used to replace a single tooth, but implants can also support bridges or snap-in dentures for multiple missing teeth.
How Long Do Implants Last?
With proper maintenance and care, dental implants can last a lifetime. If individuals do all they can to protect their oral health, a titanium dental implant might never need to be replaced.
However, several factors can affect the lifespan of dental implants. These factors include:
Proper Implantation
Proper implantation is essential to the longevity of a dental implant. Implants that are improperly placed or placed in bone that is too degraded to support them can cause complications that are painful and expensive to fix.
Bone Density
While several things can impact bone density, tooth loss is one of the most damaging. Without a tooth, the jawbone is not adequately stimulated, and the body starts to break down the unused bone through a process called bone resorption.
Certain Medical Conditions
Uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and cancer can all affect how long implants last. Complications caused by diabetes and autoimmune disease make it difficult for the body to heal, and chemotherapy drugs and radiation used to treat cancer often affect bone density and gum health.
Lifestyle Choices
A person’s lifestyle choices affect not just overall health, but also the longevity of dental implants. Habits like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor oral hygiene, and unhealthy eating can all contribute to early dental implant failure.
Bruxism
Habitual bruxism, or teeth grinding, puts a lot of stress on the teeth and jaw. Over time, it can lead to tooth damage and loss of the bone tissue needed to support dental implants.
When considering how long dental implants will last, it is important to note that the crown that covers the implant typically does not last as long as the titanium implant body and abutment it covers. However, even with normal wear and tear, a crown can last 10-15 years with proper care.
How Can You Help Dental Implants Last Longer?
While it may not be entirely possible to prevent implants from failing, here are some of the ways to help dental implants last longer:
- Practice Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits: This includes brushing teeth twice a day for at least two minutes per brushing, flossing at least once a day, and using an antibacterial mouthwash if recommended.
- Schedule Regular Dental Visits: Bi-annual or quarterly dental checkups and professional cleanings help ensure tooth and gum health and the early detection of dental implant issues, such as infection or further bone loss.
- Protect Teeth: Protect teeth from common, but often mindless habits, like chewing ice or pens, grinding or clenching teeth, and using teeth as tools.
- Quit Smoking: Quitting smoking improves blood circulation and supports oral health.
Missing or damaged teeth affect more than just the appearance of your smile; they can also compromise tooth alignment and oral health. Long-lasting dental implants are the best way to achieve years of bright, healthy smiles!
Do you want to learn more about dental implants? Schedule an appointment at Merry Dental in Billerica, MA, today!