How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants are a cosmetic and restorative dental treatment that provide aesthetic and functional benefits, and offer a permanent solution to missing teeth.
One of the most notable benefits of dental implants is their durability and longevity. Once they have fused with your jawbone and are well cared for, they can last for a few decades or a lifetime, depending on several factors.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants are made up of three different components:
- Dental implant post: A screw-like post that is made from titanium or zirconia and is surgically inserted into the jawbone.
- Abutment: The part of the implant that connects the implant post to the prosthetic dental crown.
- Dental crown (prosthetic tooth): A custom-made dental crown that acts as a prosthetic tooth and is attached to the implant post and the abutment to replace a missing tooth.
The screw-like post is inserted into the jawbone through a minor surgical procedure, which is usually performed under local anesthesia so you don’t feel any pain.
After the implant has been inserted, your jawbone needs several months to heal. During this time, the process of osseointegration occurs, in which the implant fuses with your jawbone. Osseointegration is an essential step, as it ensures your dental implant lasts a long time, sometimes even a lifetime.
When the healing process is complete, the abutment is placed on the implant.
Impressions of your mouth are taken so we can create a custom-made prosthetic tooth (dental crown).
Once the custom-made crown has been created in our labs, we securely place it on the abutment and the dental implant to create your replacement tooth.
The Lifespan of a Dental Implant
| Dental Implant Component | Lifespan |
|---|---|
| Dental Implant Post | A lifetime (as it fuses with the jawbone) |
| Abutment | 10-15 years (will need to be replaced due to wear and tear) |
| Dental Crown | 10-20 years (depending on materials used and oral hygiene) |
What Impacts the Longevity of Your Dental Implants?
The following factors have an impact on the longevity of your dental implants:
The Type of Materials Used
Most dental implants are made from titanium, a strong, lightweight metal that withstands wear, increasing their lifespan.
Zirconia, a durable, strong, biocompatible ceramic material, is also a good option for dental implants. However, it doesn’t hold up as well as titanium does.
Pros of Titanium
- Osseointegration: Titanium implants have a better chance of achieving osseointegration and a higher success rate.
- Durable: Titanium is very strong and can withstand lots of pressure and force.
- No corrosion: Titanium has a protective oxide layer that prevents corrosion.
- Proven success: Dental implants made from titanium have high success rates and last for decades.
Pros of Zirconia
- Aesthetically pleasing: Zirconia can be easily colour-matched to your natural teeth.
- Lower risk of allergies: As zirconia is a ceramic material, there is a lower risk of any allergic reactions.
Jawbone Density and Osseointegration
If you have good jawbone density, there is a better chance of the dental implant procedure working, as the process of osseointegration (the act of the jawbone fusing with the dental implant) is only successful when there is enough jawbone to support the implant.
If your jawbone is too thin or soft, a dental implant may not hold properly. In that case, your dentist will likely recommend a bone graft first. This builds up the bone so an implant has a solid foundation to anchor to.
In some cases, subperiosteal implants are used when bone density is low. Subperiosteal implants use custom-made implants that sit on top of the jawbone and under the gum line, instead of being surgically inserted into the jawbone.
Oral Hygiene
How well you take care of your natural teeth determines their health and lifespan, and the same goes for your dental implants.
Maintain a thorough hygiene routine to help your dental implants last longer. At Atria Dental Gordon, we recommend:
- Brushing your teeth at least twice a day
- Flossing at least once a day
- Using mouthwash a few times a week
- Drinking lots of water
- Limiting surgery foods and drinks
- Attending regular dentist appointments
Lifestyle
If you don’t smoke or drink too much alcohol, your dental implants have a much higher chance of being successful and lasting longer.
Smoking and excess alcohol consumption all have adverse effects on the healing process and the fusing of the jawbone and the dental implant. They restrict blood flow to your gums, hinder healing, and increase the risk of dental implant failure.
Overall Physical Health
If you suffer from chronic conditions like diabetes or osteoporosis, it can damage your bone density and make the healing process more complicated.
Medications
Certain medications, including blood thinners (anticoagulants), antidepressants, and medications for bone diseases (bisphosphonates), can interfere with the success of dental implants.
Blood thinners (anticoagulants) can cause excessive bleeding during the dental implant procedure.
Some antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can cause a loss of bone density.
Some osteoporosis medications can affect the jaw bone. In rare cases, this can make it harder for implants to heal properly. Always let your dentist know what medications you take before starting treatment.
Experience of a Dentist
If an experienced dentist performs your dental implant procedure at a reputable dental clinic, it will increase the safety and success of the dental implants.
Do your research before selecting a new dentist. Read reviews, talk to past patients and visit the dental clinic to get a feel for the place.
Possible Complications of Dental Implants
Dental Implant Failure
If your dental implant fails to fuse to your jawbone due to low bone density or other issues, your dentist will remove the implant, and there will be a discussion about alternative treatment options.
Your dentist may recommend a bone graft or a dental bridge instead of a dental implant.
If your bone density improves, your dentist may give the dental implant treatment another chance.
Infection
Every surgery, no matter how minor, carries the risk of infection, and this includes the dental implant procedure. There is always a small risk that your dental implants and surrounding gum tissue will become infected during the surgical procedure.
Allergies
Some patients may experience an allergic reaction to the titanium used in dental implants. If you are aware of your allergy, you can let your dentist know, and they may offer dental implants made from different materials.
Nerve Damage
Because dental implants involve a surgical procedure on your jawbone, there is a risk of nerve damage, which can cause numbness and tingling in your mouth. In most cases, this damage is temporary.
Many dentists use digital imaging to determine the angle and size of your implants, thereby avoiding nerve contact.
Peri-Implantitis
If you smoke, drink an excessive amount of alcohol or lead an unhealthy lifestyle, You may be at a higher risk of peri-implantitis — an infection around the implant that can damage the surrounding bone and gum tissue. Think of it like gum disease, but around an implant instead of a natural tooth.
If you develop peri-implantitis after your dental implant procedure, your dentist will either save or replace the implant and manage the condition.
Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)
Having gum disease (periodontal disease) can lead to complications due to bone damage and reduced bone density. Dentists will always treat periodontal disease before beginning the dental implant procedure.
Warning Signs
Here are some warning signs that your dental implants may need further attention:
- Excessive bleeding
- Pain or discomfort that persists for a prolonged period of time
- Swollen gums
- Difficulty eating or chewing
- Loose-feeling or moving implants
- Gum recession
If you notice any of these signs, contact your dentist immediately.
Best Practices for Dental Implants
The best way to take care of your dental implants and ensure their long lifespan includes:
- Follow post-procedure instructions: Follow the care instructions that your dentist gives you after the procedure.
- Soft food diet: For the first few days after your dental implant procedure, stick to a soft food diet to ensure that no extra pressure is put on your teeth. Soft foods include soups, smoothies, mashed potatoes, noodles, and eggs.
- Good oral hygiene: Practising a good oral hygiene routine can ensure that your implants last a long time.
- Follow a healthy diet: Cutting down on sugary foods and drinks, and increasing your fruit, veggie, water, and protein intake protects your teeth’s health.
- Regular dental appointments: Keep up your regular dental appointments to maintain good oral health.
- Monitor any symptoms: If you notice something isn’t quite right with your teeth or dental implants, contact your dentist straight away.
At Atria Dental Gordon, we understand how oral health can affect your overall physical health, which is why it’s so important to stay on top of your dental appointments and any dental treatments you may need. We also understand the importance of a confident, healthy smile to a person’s self-esteem.
Our philosophy is to support our patients with the best dental care to deliver beautiful, natural results consistently.
If you have any questions about our Dental Implants procedure or any of our other dental services, please contact us at (02) 4006 8310.
