Dental implants are an ideal solution for patients missing one or more teeth. Millions of people rely on these dental treatments to restore their smiles. People with dental implants need proper dental care after the implantation procedure to prevent any future complication.
These implants are put in or on your jawbone like a prosthetic tooth root. Later, a crown, or prosthetic tooth, is hooked to the implant. They are designed to be a permanent fixture in your mouth. Studies have reported a 90 to 95 percent success rate of dental implants over ten years (1).
However, a patient’s lifestyle and overall dental hygiene can affect the implant and determine how long dental implants last.
Keep reading if you have recently got a dental implant and are curious about how long it will last.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants are meant to be permanent. This is because they directly interface with the jawbone and bond with the surrounding bone tissue via osseointegration (2).
The implant material and the surrounding bone are joined when osseointegration is complete. As a result, the implant can function as an artificial tooth root, providing a stable foundation for a prosthetic tooth.
Although the implant is intended to be permanent, the associated crown may need replacing due to regular wear and tear. In 15 to 20 years, around 50 to 80 percent of crowns may require replacement (3).
Beside this, there are certain factors that can affect the life of implants. Here is the list-
Factors That Affect Dental Implants
While dental implants might last a lifetime for many people, they do occasionally fail. Generally, it occurs when something interferes with osseointegration or the healing process.
The following factors can contribute to implant failure:
1. Oral Hygiene and Care
Implants require the same level of oral hygiene that your teeth do. Plaque buildup can cause gum disease, damaging your gums and jawbone.
Peri-implant disease occurs when plaque builds up around an implant. The initial phases of peri-implant disease are reversible. However, if left untreated, it can proceed to peri-implantitis, which can cause implant failure.
Because of this, practicing good oral hygiene when you have an implant is essential. It includes-
- Brushing at least twice a day
- Flossing daily
- Limiting your intake of sugary foods
- Visiting your dentist for checkups every six months
2. Poor Bones
Endosteal implants need to remain stably anchored in your jawbone. An implant can fail if there’s insufficient jawbone to secure it in place effectively.
Therefore, before implant insertion, a thorough examination of the jawbone is conducted. This may include X-rays and 3D models to assess the bone integrity of the proposed implant site.
If there is inadequate bone, some persons may choose to have a bone graft or sinus lift before obtaining an endosteal implant. An implant may become unstable due to bone loss over time.
3. Smoking
Dental implants have a decreased success rate among smokers. According to data, smokers had an overall implant failure rate of 11%, compared to 5% for nonsmokers (4).
Smoking can induce implant failure by interfering with blood flow to the afflicted area, compromising osteointegration and the healing process. Smoking also raises the risk of developing gum disease.
4. Teeth Grinding
Grinding your teeth or experiencing occlusal trauma can result in a fracture of the implant, loosening or fracture of the screw, or fracture of the porcelain crown.
This is because repeated grinding motions, often known as trauma, can produce microscopic movements in the implant, interfering with the osseointegration process.
5. Medical Conditions
Several medical disorders have been linked to dental implant failure, including:
- Diabetes
- Osteoporosis
- A weak immune system
- Bleeding disorders
- Cardiovascular disorders such as high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and congestive heart failure
6. Age
Dental implants may be more prone to failure in older persons. This is because they could have other underlying medical or bone issues. Older folks may also heal more slowly.
Treatment After Implant Failure
An implant that has failed can be extracted under local anesthesia and can be replaced.
According to research, replacing single dental implants in the area has a 71% overall success rate (5). When bone loss occurs surrounding the implant, a bone graft may be required to repair bone tissue before a replacement implant is implanted. In such cases, acquiring your new implant may take many months.
There is an alternative treatment as well if you prefer not to replace a faulty implant. These may include dental bridges or dentures.
Conclusion
So, the ideal answer to the question, how long do dental implants last is FOREVER because they are intended to be permanent. Implants interact with your jawbone and bond with the surrounding bone via osseointegration.
In some circumstances, dental implants can fail due to different reasons. Consult your dentist or periodontist if you notice any indicators of implant failure so that further line of treatment can be administered.
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