A dental implant is a permanent missing tooth solution. This tiny biocompatible titanium screw is placed in the jawbone to mimic a tooth root. Once installed and an abutment has been added, a prosthetic replacement crown made from ceramic or porcelain is placed on top.
If you require a replacement for a full dental arch, your dentist may use several implants to support a denture plate.
When considering the procedure, an important question to ask your dentist is, ‘how long do dental implants last?’ The lifetime of your dental implants depends on several factors, such as if you smoke, have sufficient jawbone density or other underlying health issues.
After reviewing your medical history and performing a comprehensive oral exam, your dentist can determine if you are a candidate for this surgery and discuss your options for moving forward.
Most people are candidates for dental implant surgery. With proper care and maintenance, you can expect dental implants provided by Dental Spot to last for several decades, just like natural teeth.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants, when installed effectively, have the same lifespan as natural teeth. Osseointegration is when the dental implant becomes fused with the underlying jawbone, creating a secure bond and anchoring the root in the bone. This allows the implant to become a root for the new crown.
Dental implants have been shown to last for 10 years following the procedure over 90% of the time. However, the crown may need to be periodically replaced. Like natural teeth, crowns experience normal wear and tear from eating, chewing, and tooth grinding. Between 50% and 80% of crowns need to be replaced within the first 20 years.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last? Implant Failure Rates
While most dental implants last for decades, some do fail. Dental implant failure usually results from interference with the osseointegration process, so the implant is not secure in the jawbone and may become loose over time.
Several factors can contribute to implant failure.
Insufficient jawbone density or thickness
Dental implants need to be anchored in your jawbone for long-lasting stability. If there’s not enough underlying bone before installing the implant, bone fusion won’t be effective, which causes it to become loose.
During your treatment at Dental Spot, we will evaluate whether you need a bone graft before installing a dental implant. A bone graft ensures there is enough bone for the implant to be embedded by transferring material from another part of your body.
Using 3D imaging technology, X-Ray, and CT scanning, we identify whether the bone density is sufficient for a successful dental implant.
Poor aftercare and maintenance
Looking after your oral hygiene is critical for your dental implants. If you don’t care for your teeth and gums, this leads to a buildup of plaque and bacteria, which can cause gum disease.
When plaque and bacteria build up around the dental implant site, this can cause peri-implant disease. This disease can cause gum swelling and bone loss. If the disease leads to bone deterioration, it is known as peri-implantitis, which can cause implant failure and may require surgery to treat.
Maintaining your dental implants requires good oral hygiene habits, such as:
- Brushing teeth at least twice a day
- Flossing and rinsing your mouth using an antibacterial mouthwash twice a day
- Avoiding sugary foods and drinks
- Attending regular dentist appointments
Teeth grinding and occlusal trauma
The tiny movements caused by repeated grinding may disrupt the osseointegration process causing the implant to become unstable.
Similarly, occlusal trauma results from teeth being damaged by excessive force. Causes such as facial injuries and jaw clenching may damage dental implants, causing them to become loose.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last: What to Do When Implants Fail?
If you experience symptoms that indicate a failed dental implant, it’s essential to consult your dentist as soon as possible. Although failed implants can be replaced, early intervention may prevent you from needing to remove your current implant. Symptoms include:
- A moving implant
- Pain when biting and chewing
- Signs of peri-implantitis such as swelling, redness, bleeding, and infection
Protect Your Dental Implants With Dental Spot
Although a dental implant is designed to last a lifetime, sometimes it can fail due to complications or poor oral health care. At Dental Spot, our experienced team uses cutting-edge dentistry technology and techniques to install dental implants to ensure optimal longevity.
To find out more about our dental implant procedure, schedule an appointment with Dental Spot on (02) 9158 6115 today.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Factors Affecting the Survival Rate of Dental Implants: A Retrospective Study
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5774056/
Summary review of the survival of single crowns
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19146146/
Peri-implant disease: what we know and what we need to know
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4928203/
Are Dental Implants Permanent?
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/how-long-do-dental-implants-last
Dental implant procedure
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dental-implant
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