Many people are picking dental implants instead of bridges or dentures to replace missing teeth. But, when deciding to get dental implants, lots of folks wonder, “Do dental implants last forever?
In the last ten to twenty years, the technology for dental implants has gotten better. Now, it’s uncommon for implants to fail because the body rejects them or they stop working properly. When an implant does fail, it’s usually because of mistakes in how it’s used, existing health problems, or diseases.
Structure of Dental Implants
To better understand the answer to the question “Do dental implants last forever?” let’s break down the three main parts of a dental implant:
- Implant: This is a titanium post placed in your jawbone during surgery, serving as a root for the crown.
- Abutment: The abutment connects to the implant and holds the crown securely in place.
- Crown: The crown is a ceramic tooth that attaches to the abutment, giving you the appearance of a natural tooth.
Typically, the abutment and crown, which are the visible parts, are more prone to damage compared to the implant itself.
Dental Implants vs. Other Teeth Replacement Options
Dental implants are meant to last a lifetime and are the go-to choice for replacing missing teeth. Unlike dentures, dental implants act like natural teeth, staying firmly in place when you bite or chew. They’re anchored to your jawbone, so they can’t get cavities, and they won’t cause issues for the nearby teeth, which can happen with dental bridges.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
The simple answer to the query, “Do dental implants last forever?” is yes; implants are made to last a long time. They work by joining with your jawbone, a process called osseointegration, creating a strong bond with the bone. This makes the implant act like a fake tooth root, supporting a replacement tooth.
The implant itself is meant to be permanent, but the part on top called the crown, might need replacing over time because of regular use. Approximately 50% to 80% of crowns may require replacement within 15 to 20 years.
Factors Affecting the Lifespan of Dental Implants
Oral Care Matters
To ensure your dental implants last, good oral hygiene is necessary. Just like real teeth, implants can collect plaque and tartar, which can lead to gum problems and even implant failure. Regularly brushing, flossing, and keeping up with dental check-ups are essential.
Diet and Lifestyle
How you live and what you eat after dental implants influence their longevity. Avoiding too much sugar and bad habits like smoking can extend the life of your implants. Eating a balanced diet packed with nutrients also keeps your whole mouth healthy.
Quality Matters
The quality of dental work is a big deal. Having a skilled and experienced dental professional is critical to making sure your implant works well. Using top-notch implant materials can also make them last longer.
Healthy Bones Matter
Your jawbone’s health and strength are important for keeping your implant in place. A strong jawbone means your implant stays stable over time. If your bone weakens, it might affect how well your implant holds up.
Medical Conditions
Some health problems, like uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune diseases, can affect how well dental implants work. Talk to your dentist about your medical history before getting an implant.
Keep Up with Maintenance
Just like regular teeth, dental implants need check-ups and cleanings to stay in great shape. Your dentist can watch over your implants and catch any issues early.
Avoid Accidents
Accidents or mouth injuries can harm your dental implants. While they’re tough, they’re not invincible. When playing sports or engaging in vigorous activity, wearing a mouthguard can help safeguard your investment.
What If Your Dental Implant Fails?
If you notice signs of implant trouble, like the implant moving or pain when you bite, it’s important to see your dentist or periodontist. Here are some things that could signal implant problems:
- An implant that moves.
- Pain, especially when eating.
- Signs of peri-implantitis, like redness, swelling, bleeding, receding gums, or pus around the implant.
How to Treat a Failed Dental Implant
If an implant fails, your dentist can remove it with local anesthesia. Sometimes, they can replace it, and research suggests that replacing a single dental implant in the same spot has about a 71% success rate.
Before a replacement implant can be placed in an area where bone loss has occurred surrounding the implant, you may require a bone transplant to restore the affected bone. This could mean waiting for a few months to get your new implant.
If you decide not to replace the failed implant or can’t replace it, there are other options to consider, like dental bridges or dentures.
If you catch peri-implantitis early and there’s not much bone loss, your dentist can treat it without removing the implant. The treatment involves a deep clean, getting rid of germs around the implant, and a round of antibiotics.
Conclusion
Finding the best implant dentists in your area is crucial if you’re considering getting dental implants. Set up a consultation with Osseo Family Dental for dental implants or any other dental concerns; please contact us at (763) 425-2626 or conveniently schedule your appointment online.
FAQs
Who is responsible for dental implant failure?
The patient, the dentist, and the manufacturer can all be held responsible for implant failure, depending on the circumstances. It is important to identify who is responsible for dental implant failure to ensure corrective measures can be taken and to prevent future complications.
What is the biggest reason implants fail?
The most frequent and avoidable cause of dental implant failure is infection. During the course of implant therapy, bacterial infections that lead to implant failures might occur at any time. The word “peri-implantitis” refers to an inflammatory reaction accompanied by bone loss in the soft tissues around implants.
Why am I losing bone around my dental implant?
Osteoporosis and uncontrolled diabetes are two systemic disorders that can impact bone health and cause bone loss around dental implants. In addition, the body’s capacity to repair and preserve healthy bones might be hampered by things like smoking, inadequate diet, and some drugs.