Dental implants are robust and durable and have a success rate of 95%. This makes them an ideal solution for people looking to replace missing teeth. Naturally, if you’re considering this method of tooth replacement, you’re probably wondering what the longevity of dental implants is.
A quick answer to this question is that it all depends. While this may seem like a lazy answer, longevity depends on the individual and their commitment to maintaining good oral health.
However, various studies suggest that in many cases, implants typically last for about 20 years.
Other factors affecting how long dental implants last include improper osseointegration, the location in the mouth, medical conditions, lifestyle habits, and the skill of the dentist.
Let’s start with a quick explanation of a dental implant.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a titanium post that is inserted into the jawbone. Over a period of a few months, the surrounding bone tissue fuses with it in a process known as osseointegration. This means that it becomes a permanent fixture in the mouth while acting as a substitute tooth root. Not only does it support a dental crown but it also puts a halt to bone loss helping to stabilise the jaw.
Incidentally, when dentists refer to the success rate of a dental implant, they’re referring to the implant post and not the crown or tooth restoration which completes the final restoration. Even if an individual’s implant were to last their lifetime, the dental crown, bridge, or denture would likely need replacing at some point due to normal wear and tear.
To be successful, a dental implant needs to be placed into the bone that is healthy and dense so that osseointegration can take place. Just like natural teeth, an implant needs the bone to support it. The surgeon will take scans and x-rays to determine the health and density of the bone and if it’s found to be lacking, a bone graft may be recommended to give it a boost. Improper osseointegration is one of the leading causes of implant failure.
Longevity of Dental Implants – The Importance of Good Oral Health
Another thing that can cause dental implant failure is gum disease – the very thing that caused tooth loss in the first place. Bacteria can cause inflammation to the gums which, in turn, can attack the bone. If this happens and the bone is compromised following implant placement, then osseointegration may not happen and consequently, the implant may fail.
For this reason, patients must maintain good oral health prior, during, and following dental implant placement.
General health and habits can also affect the longevity of dental implants
Medical conditions like diabetes, a compromised immune system and osteoporosis can also impact the success of dental implants. These conditions affect the body’s ability to heal and ultimately this may mean that the implant doesn’t integrate as well with the bone. An infection that existed before surgery or resulted following implant placement could also have the same effect.
Additionally, habits like smoking can wreak havoc with a dental implant. It’s known that nicotine from smoking reduces the blood flow and constricts the blood vessels making it harder for oxygen to reach the areas that require healing.
Smokers will be asked to quit for a couple of weeks before the dental implant surgery and several weeks after to increase their chances of a successful outcome.
Bruxism is another condition that can affect the longevity of dental implants. Pressure from excessive teeth grinding can move an implant out of position. Once the connection has been broken between the implant and the jawbone, fusion will not take place and the implant will fail.
That’s not to say that a person suffering from bruxism won’t be eligible for dental implants but they may need to learn to manage it before the procedure can go ahead. Your implant dentist may supply a custom mouthguard to wear at night which reduces the frequency of bruxism and prevents your teeth from grinding against one another. If it’s thought that your bruxism is caused by stress, it may also help to learn some relaxation techniques.
The location of dental implants
Finally, the position of a dental implant in the mouth also plays a role in how long dental implants last. For instance, an implant used to replace a molar at the back of the mouth will experience more strain from the pressure of chewing which is likely to cause it to fail sooner than an implant at the front of the mouth.
It’s also best to have an experienced dentist place your implant since this ensures that it is positioned at the right depth and trajectory as a high level of precision enables the implant to remain viable.
How to help your implants last longer?
Good oral health plays an important role in how long dental implants last and it may increase their lifespan by several years. Another way to help your implants last longer is to visit your dentist regularly for examinations during the dental implant procedure so that any signs of failure can be spotted and acted upon quickly. It’s also important in the following years to maintain regular check-up and clean appointments to keep your oral health in tip-top condition.
If you’re interested to learn more about dental implants and whether they’re right for you, why not visit the dental experts at a No Gaps Dental clinic near you. Call us now at (02) 8806 0227.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.