When thinking about using dental implants to replace missing teeth, many folks wonder: How long do dental implants stay in good shape?
A dental implant is like a small support structure put in or on your jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root. You can then attach a fake tooth, called a crown, to the implant to fill in the gap left by the missing tooth.
In general, dental implants are designed to stay in your mouth for a long time, like a permanent fixture, and they have a success rate of around 90–95% over 10 years. In this article, we’ll explore the factors that impact how long dental implants last and offer some advice on how to keep them in tip-top condition.
What Is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants offer the most permanent tooth replacement available. They can replace one missing tooth or several, and they are often used as anchors for dentures or bridges.
Dental implant surgery is when posts made of metal or porcelain are inserted into the holes left by removed tooth roots. These artificial supports function like real teeth, allowing patients to eat and speak normally.
It offers an alternative to ill-fitting dentures or bridgework and can be used when a lack of natural tooth roots prevents the construction of other replacement teeth.
What is the Average Life Span of Dental Implants?
Dental implants can be a long-term solution for people with missing teeth. Most dental implants will last between 15 and 20 years with proper care, sometimes even longer.
A 20-year study of 12,500 dental implants found that 93% remained intact after 17 years. Only about 2% failed in the first year; over the next 16, their survival rate dropped by only 5%. A 30-year study of implants found that they survive long after 20 years—and what is remarkable about this study is that not a single dental implant failed, which means the survival rate was 100%.
However, dental professionals have learned much about implants over the past five decades by continually refining products and procedures and using this experience to improve aftercare for their patients.
5 Factors that Affect the Lifespan Of Dental Implants
Expertise Level
When you choose a skilled dentist to perform your dental implant, the outcome is much more certain. A skilled dentist will assess your mouth’s health before placing an implant.
On the other hand, a less experienced dentist may need to be more meticulous. This means that you must do your research and choose a reputable, experienced one for the procedure. Otherwise, you could have dental implant complications—painful and expensive to fix!
Bone Density
The density of your jawbone plays a crucial role in the choice and success of dental implants. This is because bone density directly influences how long dental implants can last.
Dental implants are most effective when placed in individuals with sufficient jawbone density. In cases of inadequate bone density, your body may struggle to provide the necessary support for the implant fixtures, leading to potential implant failure.
To assess your bone density and dental health, dentists often use X-rays and impressions during an initial consultation. This information is used to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. By addressing bone density and structurally evaluating your teeth, dentists can enhance the chances of a successful and long-lasting dental implant procedure.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions can impact the longevity and success of dental implants. Conditions like cancer, uncontrolled diabetes, and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus can pose challenges for individuals with dental implants. These conditions can increase the risk of complications and may require specialized dental care to ensure the implants remain in good condition over time. It’s important to discuss any underlying medical conditions with your dentist before getting dental implants to ensure the best possible outcome.
Dental Implant Brand
It’s crucial to understand that not all dental implants offer the same level of durability. Some dental implant brands have demonstrated a lifespan of over 25 years, whereas others may only endure for 5–10 years under typical circumstances.
Since dental implants represent a significant investment, it’s essential to ensure that you acquire high-quality ones. But how can you determine which brand will provide the best value for your money? And once you’ve made your choice, what steps can you take to guarantee the quality and longevity of their product line?
Selecting the ideal dental implant brand involves conducting thorough research, consulting with your dentist, and considering factors such as the brand’s reputation, materials used, and success rates. Additionally, ensuring proper maintenance and regular dental check-ups can contribute to the extended lifespan of your chosen dental implant brand.
Lifestyle and Habits
Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime, but that doesn’t mean they won’t eventually need some maintenance. Similar to your natural teeth, dental implants can only remain in good condition if you take proper care of them by regularly brushing and flossing.
Dentists recommend that their patients be conscious of factors that could harm dental implants. Therefore, it’s essential to assess your habits and lifestyle to identify any practices that might reduce the lifespan of your dental implants and potentially lead to their failure.
Why Should You Consider Getting Dental Implants?
Many people may wonder when it is the right time to get dental implants. Dental implants become necessary when you have a missing tooth and prefer not to go for alternatives like bridges, dentures, or crowns. Replacing a lost tooth is crucial because leaving an empty gap can lead to more significant issues down the road.
The benefits of dental implants extend to enhancing your appearance, promoting oral health, and maintaining the stability of your existing teeth. When a missing tooth isn’t replaced, the neighboring jawbone can start to deteriorate. This happens because the natural stimulation and pressure from chewing, which typically keep your jawbone healthy, are absent when one or more teeth are missing.
Dental implants contribute to improved overall well-being. They enhance your smile by eliminating discomfort while eating, laughing, or conversing, which can significantly impact your quality of life.
Choose Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Institute as Your Dental Implant Provider in Los Angeles, CA.
Understanding the factors that affect dental implants’ lifespan will help you take steps to ensure they last a long time. If you experience implant failure, see your dentist immediately so they can help find a solution that works for you.
At Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Institute Los Angeles, We want our patients to have all the information they need before making a big decision about their smile. Contact us today to request an appointment, and we’ll give you the help you’re looking for!
