What is the longevity of a tooth implant? Are they long-lasting? How long do they last before they require a re-do? These are all questions patients ask orthodontists when considering whether to get an implant. Once your dentist tells you that they specialize in dental implants, you will want to know how long the perfect smile will last. The truth is, implants can last a very long time and help you regain confidence in your smile.
Today, new dental implants are designed to be solid and supportive like the older versions and look natural. Unlike dental crowns, dental implants can last a lifetime. However, Every person alive is different, as is every case and implant procedure. While implants do not wear out the way natural teeth do, other factors can affect their longevity. Bonding of the tooth to surrounding tissue can be the biggest issue that impacts long-term dental implants.
How Long Does A Tooth Implant Last?
The longevity of dental implants is determined by various factors, including the dentist’s skill, the materials used in the implant and crown, the condition of your gums and jaw bone, and how you care for your teeth. Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper maintenance. Notably, numerous individuals have had the same implants for over 25 years. Dental implants are made of robust and long-lasting materials. According to research, dental implants can survive at least 15 years with adequate treatment. Since the 1960s, more than 20 million people have received dental implants.
While dental implants are long-lasting, this does not guarantee they will never fail or develop issues. The implant will be removed, and a fresh one put in. However, the implant can be restored and preserved in some cases. While all-ceramic crowns that mix with your natural teeth are now available, not everyone is a candidate for these implants. The lifespan of an implant is determined by various factors, including the patient’s level of care. Dental implants can endure for many years, if not decades, with proper care, yet some will eventually require replacement due to wear and tear or decay. Daily dental hygiene is critical to the health of your implants. Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and visiting our office for routine cleanings are critical for maintaining a healthy mouth and preventing gum disease. Appropriate care also entails being careful of what you eat and drink.
Dental Implants :
- Don’t require special care
- Prevent bone loss
- Are resistant to cavities and gum disease
- Last a lifetime with proper care
Here are some common reasons why dental implants fail:
- The tooth wasn’t cared for properly after it was placed. It is the most common reason why dental implants fail. You have to follow your dentist’s instructions about caring for your teeth after placing an implant. If you don’t take care of it properly, you increase the risk of infection developing.
- The placement of the tooth was improper. When a tooth isn’t placed correctly, it can cause problems with nerve damage, and infections can develop more easily around the tooth because of the way it is placed. Poor dental implant placement could also make it difficult to chew or talk usually.
- Dental implants are highly susceptible to infections or gum disease because bacteria can get into tiny holes on the side of the tooth or between the gums and teeth. The condition may even spread throughout your body if you’re not careful about treating it immediately; this is called sepsis.
Tooth implantation is replacing tooth roots with titanium posts, which are used as substitutes for the source, hosting crowns on top. In other words, a dental implant is a dental prosthesis that’s surgically installed in the jaw. Tooth implants are permanent and durable; one implant can last from 20 to 50 years. The longevity of the implant depends on many factors: bone health, oral hygiene, overall health, and age are some of the major ones. According to a study conducted by Cochran, 74% of patients reported no problems with tooth implants for more than 12 years after placement. Their bones aren’t exposed to the outside environment, so there’s no risk of bacteria infiltration. The American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist every year after getting an implant to check how it’s holding up and even clean your gums.
