How Long Do Dental Implants Actually Last?

It is important to know how long they last if you consider dental implants. Dental implants are a great option for people who are missing teeth, as they provide a permanent solution that looks and feels natural. This blog post will discuss the lifespan of dental implants and how to care for them. It will also give you insights into the factors that affect the longevity of implants. If you need more information about dental implants or other dental procedures, please visit westinghousedental.com.

Before delving into the answer, it’s important to understand what dental implants are.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed in the jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots. The other components of the dental implants are:

The abutment: This is a connector piece placed on top of the implant post. It will eventually support the artificial tooth.

The artificial tooth: This is a custom-made tooth that is made to match your natural teeth in color and shape. It is usually made of porcelain.

Once the post is in place, your dentist will attach the replacement tooth to it. Threading on the posts encourages new bone growth around them, which eventually fuses the posts permanently in place.

Now that we know the basics let’s answer the question: How long do dental implants last?

The longevity of your dental implants will depend on several individual factors, but with proper care, they can last for decades. However, it’s important to know that each implant’s components have a different life span.

The implant post has the longest lifespan and can last for 25 years with proper care. The other two components, the abutment and the artificial tooth, have a shorter lifespan of about 15 years.

Now let’s look at the factors that can affect the lifespan of your dental implants:

Insufficient Maintenance And Care

Like your natural teeth, dental implants require regular care to remove plaque and bacteria. If you do not take care of your implants, you are at a higher risk of developing gum disease due to plaque buildup. Gum disease can cause the implant to become loose and eventually fail.

Maintaining good oral hygiene such as brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash is essential to the longevity of your dental implants. It would be best if you also visited your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.

Smoking

Smoking is one of the worst habits for your oral health, and it can shorten the lifespan of your dental implants. Smoking increases your risk of developing gum disease and interferes with blood flow to the gums. This impairs the fusing process between the implant post and the jawbone.

Insufficient Bone Density

There must be enough bone mass for the implant post to fuse with the jawbone. Without enough bone, the implant will not secure properly and is at a higher risk for failure.

Underlying medical conditions

Dental implants can be affected by certain medical conditions. Conditions such as diabetes, bleeding disorders, and autoimmune diseases can interfere with the healing process and put you at a higher risk for implant failure.

If you have any of these conditions, it’s important to discuss them with your dentist before placing dental implants.

Age

As we age, our bones become weaker and more brittle. This can make it more difficult for the implant post to fuse with the jawbone.

However, this does not mean that dental implants are not an option for older adults. There are many cases where older adults have successfully received dental implants.

The key to a successful implant is to have enough bone density and follow all aftercare instructions.

Surgeon’s Experience

An experienced surgeon is more likely to place the implant in the correct position and at the right angle. This increases the chances of a successful fusion between the implant post and the jawbone.

In addition, an experienced surgeon is more likely to design the implant correctly for your mouth.

What Are The Signs That An Implant Has Failed?

The most common sign of implant failure is when the implant becomes loose. Other signs include:

• Persistent pain in the implant area
• Swelling and inflammation
• A change in the fit of your artificial tooth

If you experience any of these signs, you should contact your dentist immediately.

To sum it up, dental implants can last for many years with proper care. However, several factors can affect their longevity. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly. Smoking and underlying medical conditions can put you at a higher risk for implant failure. Surgery performed by an experienced surgeon is also key to a successful implant. If you experience any signs of implant failure, such as pain or swelling in the implant area, you should contact your dentist immediately.