Lifespan of a Dental Implant
When exploring the options for dental restorations, many patients want to know how long they can be expected to last. Especially with dental implants, longevity is important, as they require a relatively significant investment of both time and money. Their longevity can be an important consideration when weighing the pros and cons of each option and deciding which type of dental restoration is best for each person. The good news is that when they’re cared for properly, dental implants can be expected to last at least 25 years, making them an excellent choice for many people who are seeking replacement options when they are missing one or more of their natural teeth.
Dental implants are prosthetic teeth that look, feel, and act just like natural, healthy teeth and provide a permanent replacement option for one or more missing teeth. Dental implants are placed during a surgical procedure by a qualified oral surgeon or periodontist. Once they have been placed and have fully healed, fusing to the surrounding bone, dental implants are stable, versatile, and attractive, restoring the wearer’s smile and their ability to eat freely and speak clearly. Dental implants are made of three separate parts: the implant itself, also known as the implant fixture or implant post; the abutment, which affixes to the top of the implant and secures the crown; and the crown, or the prosthetic tooth itself. The dental implant is a small screw-like post, usually made of titanium, that is surgically implanted into the jawbone where the root of a natural tooth would be. The tip of the implant emerges from the bone, and the abutment screws onto the tip of the implant and provides a secure support for the crown. The crown is the tooth itself; these are often made of porcelain and are custom-crafted to match the surrounding natural teeth and fit properly into the mouth.
Dental implants can provide many benefits for their wearers. Implants can help improve the wearer’s ability to speak clearly and eat an array of foods comfortably, and they improve the wearer’s physical appearance, often leading to an increase in self-confidence and overall psychological benefits. They are more stable and more comfortable than dentures and also more comfortable than missing teeth, and the presence of dental implants in the jaw helps improve the overall health of the bones of the jaw. They are highly durable and convenient, requiring the same basic maintenance -- regular brushing and flossing, along with checkups and professional cleanings -- as the natural teeth. While the risks associated with dental implants are low, there is a small chance of error in the implant placement procedure. Though this usually occurs when the implants aren’t properly cared for, there is also the potential for infection or erratic bleeding following a dental implant procedure, and the implants may move or loosen. In certain high-risk populations, dental implants may contribute to deterioration of the jawbone, though this is rare. Some people with certain medical issues, or people who take certain medications, may face additional risks; for this reason, a thorough medical history review is part of the consultation for the procedure and should be taken seriously to reduce risks.
For many people, the benefits of dental implants far outweigh the risks. Convenience and longevity are the primary beneficial qualities of dental implants. Dental implants also provide the added benefit of helping to preserve the structure and health of the mouth. When patients are missing teeth, this causes an uneven distribution of pressure in the mouth, disproportionately stressing certain areas of the teeth, the gums, and the jaw. Gradually, this can lead to damage of these structures within the oral cavity. Dental implants help redistribute the pressure exerted on the mouth’s structures, protecting them from damage and helping to maintain the health of the mouth. Implants also increase the wearer’s ability to eat a variety of foods and can therefore help to improve the overall health through balanced nutrition. The improved ability to speak and the enhanced appearance of the smile that are provided by dental implants can lead to boosts in confidence and increased psychological well-being. People who wear dental implants can care for them as they would care for natural teeth, making them a convenient option that doesn’t interfere with a daily routine. While dental implants may cost more than other dental restoration options, their durability, convenience, and other benefits help make them an excellent value that, in most cases, far outweighs their cost.
For many people, the benefits of dental implants also far outweigh other dental restoration options, which include dental bridges and crowns, as well as dentures. Dental implants are stable and do not slip in the mouth. They last much longer than the other restoration options, and patients can freely enjoy a varied diet with no restrictions that are caused by their dental restorations. They are comfortable, convenient, and long-lasting, making them an excellent value overall. While dental implants can be expected to last around 25 years, there are factors that will affect their longevity. Patients must maintain excellent oral hygiene practices, brushing the implants, natural teeth, gum tissue, and soft oral tissues twice daily with a soft-bristled brush and also flossing daily. People who wear dental implants must also visit their dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings, in which a dental hygienist will use tools that are specifically designed to remove plaque and tartar from the comparably delicate surface of the implant crowns. Diet and lifestyle can also affect the longevity of dental implants, as can the location of the implants in the mouth and the expertise of the surgeon who places the implants.
Dental implants can fail for a few different reasons, most of which are entirely preventable. Normal wear and tear is expected, but undue wear and tear can reduce the lifespan of dental implants. For example, it’s not advisable to use one’s dental implants as bottle openers, and habits like chewing on pens or other hard objects should be addressed and avoided. Simply due to the pressure and forces of chewing, implants located in the back of the mouth can be expected to have a somewhat shorter lifespan than those in the front of the mouth under normal circumstances. Excessive alcohol use and smoking can also contribute to the premature destruction of dental implants by affecting the overall health of the patient and, specifically, the patient’s oral health. Some medical conditions can also adversely affect the lifespan of dental implants, as can some medications, due to a variety of different mechanisms that are specific to each condition or medication. Your dentist can review your medical history and lifestyle choices when determining whether dental implants are a good dental restoration option for you.