If you’re wondering “are dental implants permanent and do they last forever” it’s worth remembering that nothing lasts forever. However, provided they’re well cared for, dental implants have the potential to last for several decades and longer.
Dental implants are a highly sophisticated tooth-replacement system that replaces the entire tooth structure. During dental implant surgery, a titanium post or ‘root’ is inserted into the jaw bone and eventually fuses with the surrounding bone tissue to become strong enough to support a dental crown, bridge or denture.
So, are dental implants permanent?
Because dental implants are placed into the bone, then to all intent and purpose, it’s true to say that yes, dental implants are permanent – that is to say, permanently fixed into the mouth and not permanent in terms of longevity.
It’s important to realise that an implant is made up of 3 components:
- The implant post
- An abutment which attaches the prosthetic to the implant
- A dental crown – this is the false tooth that looks just like a natural tooth
It should be noted that it’s the implant post itself that has the potential to last for a patient’s lifetime. Titanium is the chosen metal for an implant post because it’s bio-compatible and isn’t rejected by the body. It’s also super-strong and resistant to corrosion.
On the contrary, the exposed elements of an implant – the crown and the abutment – are more susceptible to damage and deterioration than the implant post. A crown may last between 10 and 15 years with care, so depending on the age at which you received your implants, it may need replacing once or twice during your lifetime.
While there are alternatives to implants such as bridges and dentures, it’s worth knowing the advantages of dental implants over these tooth replacement treatments as well as focusing on how long they last.
Advantages of dental implants
Restore bite force
Because implants are anchored directly into the jaw, they restore the bite force and can withstand biting and chewing without moving around as a denture may do. People that wear dentures often adopt a soft diet but with implants, they can eat any foods they want and receive the necessary nutrients they need.
Helps prevent bone loss
Aside from replacing missing teeth, dental implant surgery also helps prevent the bone loss that naturally occurs when a tooth root is missing. The implant acts as an artificial tooth root and when a person chews their food, provides the stimulation that is needed for normal healthy bone growth.
Restores confidence
Not only do dental implants close gaps in the smile, but they also help give a person back their confidence. Because the prosthetic sits flush to the gum line, nobody will be able to spot which tooth is a restoration and which are natural teeth.
So, how long do dental implants last?
You’ve probably read several times that implants can last two or more decades and indeed this is true. But …. and this is a big but …. this is provided that you take good care of them. The longevity of an implant depends on several factors:
- Your oral habits – Implants are cared for in the same way as natural teeth with regular brushing, flossing and visits to the dentist. Good oral hygiene is critical, particularly after dental implant surgery to prevent infection and gum disease.
- How you use your teeth – Biting on hard materials like ice and/or using your teeth to open bottle tops will have a negative effect on the lifespan of your dental implants.
- The skill of your implant dentist – If your dental implant surgery is carried out by an experienced oral surgeon or dental implant dentist, then technically an implant should last longer. This is because they will monitor the progress of bone fusion and will know if osseointegration has taken place effectively.
- Location of the implant – How long your implant lasts can also be determined by its location in the mouth. For example, implants placed at the back of the mouth typically receive more pressure from chewing than an implant placed in the front of the mouth. Consequently, an implant at the back of the mouth could fail sooner than one at the front of the mouth.
- Your general health and lifestyle – Patients who smoke are more at risk of implant failure than non-smokers. Nicotine from tobacco is known to interfere with the healing process and sometimes bone fusion may not even take place. Smokers are advised to refrain from smoking before, during, and after dental implant surgery and if possible, to give up smoking completely.
Why do implants fail?
As we’ve mentioned above, implants are designed to last for many years when properly maintained. However, there are some factors that can cause dental implant failure. Patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis have a higher risk of dental implant failure.
Poor oral hygiene can also cause an implant to fail. While implants can’t decay like natural teeth, they are vulnerable to disease and infection such as gum disease. Without treatment, gum disease can escalate to a condition known as peri-implantitis which is an infection of the gums around the implant. This can cause gum recession and bone loss which, in turn, may cause the implant to loosen and fall out. Preventing gum disease in the first instance can greatly increase the lifespan of your implants.
Conclusion
Dental implants are permanent fixtures in the mouth and provided you maintain them properly, they can last for many years.
If you’d to learn more about implants and best oral hygiene practices, please feel free to contact the No Gaps Dental team at (02) 8806 0227. We offer professional and affordable dental implants using the latest equipment and techniques.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.