Lifespan of a Dental Implant
Dental implants are an excellent option for patients looking to restore one or more missing teeth! Traditional restorative treatments including bridges and dentures are a less costly option and can be right for some but since these other options sit above the gum tissue, and do not help with bone regeneration, the patient can experience deterioration of their jaw bone which can lead to changes in their cranial facial structure, their overall appearance, and an ill-fitting dental prosthesis.
Dental implants have an advantage over other restorations because the implant itself acts as the root of a tooth which is needed to prevent bone deterioration. Our tooth roots stimulate bone regeneration and when a tooth is lost, the bone can begin to break down and cause issues for neighboring healthy teeth. Dental implants or surgically placed by an oral surgeon or a periodontist directly into the jawbone. Dental implants are very natural looking and can be used to replace one tooth or even an entire mouth!
How do dental implants work?
A dental implant consists of three parts: the implant, an abutment, and the dental prosthesis. The implant itself is a small, typically titanium, post that is surgically placed directly in to the jaw bone which supports the fake tooth.
The abutment is the piece that fits directly onto the implant and acts as the bridge between the implant and the fake tooth or denture.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of dental implants?
Advantages
Dental implants have a wide range of benefits and very few disadvantages, which are generally attributed to side effects and vary based on the type of dental implant placed. A few benefits of dental implants include:
- Oral and overall health: When a patient is missing a tooth and does not have it replaced, the supporting bone structure in that area will begin to deteriorate over time. Tooth roots encourage bone regeneration and without that stimulation, jaw bone structure will begin to break down. When that happens, neighboring teeth are at risk of becoming loose and falling out. A dental implant is essentially an artificial tooth root and helps stimulate bone regeneration to prevent the deterioration which could be detrimental to the health and integrity of remaining teeth. Also, when a patient is missing a tooth, the pressure applied to the neighboring teeth during eating and speaking can become disproportionately more and put those healthy teeth at risk for fracture or other damage.
- Easy oral hygiene: Dental implants are actually very easy to care for! You do not need any special tools or products to maintain a healthy implant, you simply need to continue with your regular oral care routine! A dental implant can be brushed and flossed just like your remaining natural teeth.
- Excellent aesthetics: Dental implants are incredibly natural-looking due to the high-quality aesthetics of modern dental implants. They give patients an increased sense of confidence when they smile, speak, and eat.
Disadvantages
There are not many disadvantages to dental implants but as with any restorative procedure, there are some risks. Some disadvantages of dental implants may include:
- Potential for infection
- Increase bone deterioration in at-risk patients
- Potential for movement of the implant
Some patients may be at risk for other disadvantages with dental implants. Your doctor can help determine if you are a good candidate for dental implant placement and what risks you might face during and after your placement surgery.
For patients who are overall healthy and able to endure implant placement surgery as well as the extensive healing time that comes along with it, dental implants are an excellent choice to replace missing teeth.
How long can dental implants last?
The average lifespan of a dental implant is about 20 to 25 years but there are a few things that come into play that cause the lifespan of a dental implant to vary. Some factors that can directly affect how long your implant lasts include:
- Home care and oral hygiene
- Personal lifestyle and dietary habits
- Location of the implant
- Expertise of your dentist
With proper care and maintenance, patients can even expect their dental implant to last a lifetime. The prosthesis on the implant, the implant crown or denture, may need to be replaced eventually due to normal wear and tear. Implant patients will benefit from more frequent professional cleanings than the usual twice a year. Your dental hygienist can help you prevent gum disease and peri-implantitis which can be damaging to your implant.
What might cause a dental implant to fail?
As with any surgery, there is always a risk of failure. A dental implant can fail for a number of reasons and understanding them beforehand can help you take the necessary steps to avoid implant failure and extend its lifespan. A dental implant might fail due to:
Bad personal/lifestyle habits
Patients with poor oral hygiene and those who smoke and consume an excessive amount of alcohol can cause a lot of damage not only to their body but also to their mouth. Alcohol and smoking can weaken the body which can negatively affect the integrity and longevity of dental implants. Patients with poor oral hygiene risk developing gingivitis which can progress into periodontal disease, causing gum recession and bone deterioration. Bone deterioration can compromise implants which can eventually fall out.
Excessive wear and tear
This can include using your teeth as tools to open packages, pull off gloves, or chewing items that are not meant to be chewed such as pen caps. Dental implants in the back of the mouth are more likely to fail overtime than those in the front due to the greater pressure put on the back teeth when eating. Any patient with any dental restoration will greatly benefit from a night guard.
Other medical conditions
Certain medical conditions can cause patients to have a higher risk of implant failure such as:
- Cancer
- Gum disease
- Diabetes
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Autoimmune disorders
Certain medications can also negatively affect your dental implant so make sure you speak with your dentist about all medications you are currently taking and keep them up to date with any changes in your medical history, including changes in your medications to make sure you keep your implant as long as possible.