Lifespan of a Dental Implant
A common question anyone considering dental implants wants to know is how long the devices last. This concern is logical and often a key consideration when evaluating dental implants against other restoration options.
Patients are often surprised to learn that if properly cared for, dental implants have a lifespan of 25 years or more. This article will examine the benefits offered by dental implants as well as the steps that can be taken to maximize their longevity.
Dental Implant: Overview
A restoration option for patients that have lost one or more teeth, dental implants are designed to feel, function, and look like natural teeth. A permanent replacement option, dental implants are surgically placed in the patient’s jawbone. Once their restorations are secured in place, patients can maintain them just as they would their natural teeth. Implants offer a durable, versatile, and appealing solution for anyone needing to replace one or more teeth.
Most dental implants are made up of three components:
- Implant: The small metal post or rod that is inserted directly into the jawbone. The post extends up through the gumline and acts as replacement tooth roots.
- Abutment: A connecting piece that screws onto the implant. The piece sits above the gumline and will be the base on which the restorative crown will be attached.
- Crown: The prosthetic replacement tooth which connects with the abutment. Crowns are often made of porcelain and can be customized to fit the patient’s specific needs.
Pros and Cons of Placing Dental Implants
There are numerous advantages of using dental implants to replace missing teeth that far outweigh the disadvantages. Typically, the downsides are attributed to side effects that can vary based on the type of dental implant used.
Amongst the advantages offered by dental implants are:
- Improvements to physical appearance – can provide self-confidence boost
- Improvements to speech ability compared to missing teeth
- Superior comfort compared to missing teeth, traditional dentures, or dental bridges
- Makes it easier to eat and removes any dietary restrictions
- Improves oral health
- Provide long-term durability and effectiveness
- More convenient compared to other replacements
Some potential drawbacks of using dental implants include:
- While rare, implants can be placed improperly which increases their risk of failure
- Since surgery is required to place implants, bleeding or infections could occur
- Implants can loosen or wiggle
- Certain at-risk patients could see greater jawbone deterioration
While these represent the more significant pros and cons associated with dental implant placement, patients should discuss with their dentist any other considerations that might be applicable for their case.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Several benefits are provided by permanent dental implants. In addition to the convenience provided with their longevity, dental implants also give patients the following:
- Preservation of Dental Structures: When teeth are lost, the pressures from biting and chewing are unevenly distributed across the teeth, gums, and jaw. Over time, this can cause damage to the structures in the mouth. By utilizing permanent dental implants to replace lost teeth, the pressure is more evenly distributed thereby preventing damage to the dental structures. This also makes it more comfortable to eat and allows clearer speech.
- Confidence: Having a healthy-looking smile is important for most people and for those missing teeth, it can have a negative impact on self-confidence. This can result in anxiety, social isolation, and depression. By providing patients with smiles they love, dental implants help restore confidence for those who have lost teeth.
- Convenience: There are no special products, tools, extra time, or additional steps in the daily routine necessary to clean dental implants. Because they can be cared for the same way natural teeth are, implants are amongst the easiest and most convenient tooth restoration options available.
- Cost: Although the initial cost for implants may be higher than options like traditional dentures or dental bridges, implants are an affordable treatment option given the benefits and longevity they offer.
Dental Implant Lifespan
With a typical lifespan lasting about 25 years, the longevity offered by dental implants surpasses many other restoration options. There are several factors that influence how long a dental implant lasts, including:
- Oral Hygiene Routine: Like natural teeth, dental implants need to be properly cleaned via a thorough daily oral hygiene practice. Flossing should be done daily or after meals and the teeth should be brushed two times daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Patients should also visit the dentist every six months for routine cleanings and exams.
- How the Teeth Get Used: A dental implant will not last as long if the patient regularly chews or bites on particularly hard or crunchy items. The devices can also be degraded if the teeth are used to open items or remove tags.
- Quality of Implant and Dentist Performing Surgery: When choosing the type of implant to use, it is advised to select one of the highest quality as they tend to have longer lifespans than less costly options. Equally important is picking a dental professional with the expertise and experience to properly place the implants ensuring they last for decades.
- Location of the Implant: The position of an implant in the mouth can also influence its longevity. For example, implants placed towards the back of the mouth (molars), undergo more chewing pressure than those in the front of the mouth. With increased wear and tear, implanted molars and premolars have a higher failure rate than those towards the front.
Lifestyle, Health, and Diet: Patients with poor diets, who smoke, or drink a lot of alcohol have a higher risk of implant failure. To maximize the implant’s lifespan, patients should stick to a diet of nutrient-rich foods and avoid smoking or heavy drinking.
Causes of Implant Failure
- Wear and Tear: As are natural teeth, dental implants are prone to wear over time. Following the aforementioned steps can help minimize excessive wear.
- Medical Conditions: Certain diseases and medical conditions can reduce the lifespan of a dental implant. Cancer, periodontal disease, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases are common culprits.
- Unhealthy Habits: In addition to smoking and alcohol consumption, other habits, such as clenching or grinding the teeth, can damage the implant and should be avoided or protected against using a mouthguard.