Dental implants are a high-tech solution to the problem of missing teeth. What’s more, they can be used to replace single teeth, multiple teeth and even all of your teeth. That said, a dental implant doesn’t come cheap which is why you probably want to know more about the dental implants success rate before deciding to go ahead with the treatment.
What you need to know?
We’re often asked about the success rate of dental implant surgery which essentially means the percentage of implants that remain a permanent fixture in a patient’s mouth.
Dental implants typically have very high survival rates which, according to different clinical studies vary from 95% to 98%. So it’s fair to say that dental implants can be considered a reliable and predictable method of replacing missing teeth.
Patients considering dental implants to replace missing teeth can be assured that with advances in diagnostics and techniques, implant placement has become less of a risk. Whether a single implant is needed or 4 to 6 implants to retain a denture, the majority of the assessment and planning takes place ahead of the surgery. As a result, the surgical process itself is both comfortable and (in most cases) short.
While our experienced team will ensure that you are kept informed and supported throughout the duration of your treatment. there are several factors within your control that can help increase the chance of long-term dental implant success. So, with that in mind, let’s dive in and take a closer look.
Dental Implants Success Rate – Factors That Help Your Dental Implant Last Longer
Having sufficient bone in your jaw
Did you know that when you are missing teeth, the bone that once supported them starts to diminish? This is because there is no chewing action occurring to provide the stimulation needed for normal healthy bone growth and strength.
In fact, in just one year from the tooth loss occurring, 25% of bone volume can be lost and this continues in the ensuing years.
This is why it’s vital to act fast when you lose a tooth because the sooner a dental implant is placed, the more bone there will be to help secure the implant.
Like natural teeth, implants rely on sufficient width and depth of bone to support them. However, a lack of bone doesn’t mean that you can’t receive a dental implant. Often a dentist can perform a bone graft to increase the volume of bone but naturally, this incurs additional healing time and cost.
Practising Good Oral Hygiene
The number one cause of dental implant failure is poor oral hygiene. This can lead to an infection of the gums surrounding the implant known as peri-implantitis and can occur because of poor or ineffective brushing and flossing.
Peri-implantitis if not treated, will cause the gums to recede and the bone to erode which means that your implant may loosen and fall out. So, when it comes to longevity, it’s true to say that similar to natural teeth, dental implants typically last for as long as you care for them.
In fact, how well you maintain them and whether you attend regular dental check-ups, will have the biggest impact on your dental implant’s success rate.
Once your implant restoration is complete – your dentist or hygienist can talk to you about how best to care for your dental implants and demonstrate effective brushing and flossing techniques– so be sure to follow up on that.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle
When a dental implant fails, in most cases, it’s because bone loss has occurred around the implant. The most common reasons for this include:
- Smoking – Smoking has been shown to drastically slow down the healing process and affects long-term bone and gum health. Nicotine in smoke shrinks the blood vessels and reduces the flow of blood to the soft tissues which, in turn, affects the immune system. This increases the risk that a dental implant may not heal properly and makes it more likely to fail over time. In some cases, the vital process of implant-to-bone fusion, fails to occur.
- Teeth grinding – If you grind or clench your teeth the replacement crowns on top of your implants can start to wear and deteriorate the same as with natural teeth. Grinding can also lead to implant failure because of the added pressure it places on the implant post. Should the titanium post move, it can disrupt the osseointegration procedure which can cause the implant to loosen and not integrate successfully with the bone.
- Medical conditions – It’s always important to discuss your medical history with your dentist when considering a dental implant, since pre-existing conditions can affect the feasibility of an implant. Diabetes, for instance, may affect the risk of peri-implantitis and implant failure.
Choosing the Right Dentist
Initially, finding the right dentist experienced in placing dental implants is key to your dental implant survival. Here at No Gaps Dental for instance, our dentists are highly trained in the latest implant technology and techniques designed to boost, patient success rates implant-based restorations.
Call us today at (02) 8806 0227. We provide high-quality implants at affordable prices, so why not book an implant appointment to discuss how we can help you.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.