Are you considering dental implants as a missing teeth replacement? You might wonder how long do dental implants last? In this article, we will explore the longevity of dental implants and tips to increase their lifespan for natural-looking and functioning teeth.
Overview
How long do dental implants last? Before investing time and money in aesthetic dental implant treatment, people consider its lifespan to determine whether it is worth the investment. Dental implants are effective solutions for missing teeth with a high success ratio. They are made of titanium and other durable materials that are surgically placed into the mouth.
Although there is a high success ratio, there are various factors that might affect longevity. But, with precautionary measures, aftercare instructions, and healthy habits, you can avoid dental implant failure.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants are the most effective dental solutions, unlike other dental treatments for missing teeth. According to scientific research, implants may last up to 20 years. However, with extra care and proper following of aftercare instructions, the lifespan can exceed up to 30 years.
Factors That Affect Dental Implants Lifespan
Though it is a long-term solution, the dental implant lifespan depends on various factors:
Expertise of the Dentist
If you want the best and most long-lasting dental implant procedure, the first thing to do is choose a skilled dentist. A skilled dentist ensures the perfect placement of the implant and ensures that the quality of the implant is up to the mark and stays reliable and long-term.
Moreover, a dental specialist will also consider all the related health conditions. After a proper examination of health, the dentist will start with the next procedure. It relies on the dentist’s expertise to properly examine the patient’s health to ensure a long-lasting dental implant without any failure.
So, before choosing any dentist for a dental implant, you should consider their experience, qualifications, reviews, and guarantees.
Bone Density
For a successful dental implant, it is important to have enough bone density. The dentist surgically screws the implant into the jawbone. Therefore, the bone must be strong and dense enough to screw the implant successfully. For this, the dentist takes a CT scan of the mouth to ensure the jawbone is in good health.
Upon examination, if the jawbone is not strong, the specialist performs a bone grafting procedure. Bone grafting is a bone transplant procedure that strengthens the to-be-implanted jawbone. He/ she takes bone from another part of the jaw and transplants it to the target area.
This process may delay the final implant as the transplant, adjustment, and healing may take some time. Once bone reaches its desired density, the implant can last longer with a lower failure rate.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions can be one of the factors that affect the lifespan of dental implants. The diseases that affect tissues and cells can lead to dental implant failure.
Some of the diseases that affect dental implant longevity are cancer, uncontrolled diabetes, and various autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. These diseases and their treatments may damage healthy cells too. Moreover, they also affect the natural healing mechanism of the body. The damage to tissues and slow healing lead to dental implant failure before the expected time.
Implant Quality
Implant quality matters a lot when the longevity is concerned. In your dental consultation, have a transparent conversation about the brand and quality of the implant. High-quality titanium or zirconia implants offer durability. Not only they are durable, but these materials also offer strength to the implant to endure the chewing pressure for a long time.
So, if you are investing in a long-term dental procedure, you should remember the question, “How long do dental implants last?” This will guide your decision to invest in a high-quality, durable implant.
Implant Location
Dental implants have to act like natural teeth. Thus, they must endure the pressure as natural teeth. If you wonder how long do dental implants last, that also depends on the implant’s location. Front tooth/ teeth implants last longer than the ones at the back.
Implants at the back of the jaw tend to get more pressure while chewing or sleeping (if you have teeth grinding habit). Therefore, they may fail faster while the ones at the front can complete their average lifespan easily.
Lifestyle
Your everyday lifestyle after the implant surgery affects how long do dental implants last. If you are a heavy drinker or smoke, it may affect the blood flow to the implant which may affect the tissue around the implant and lead to its failure. Moreover, your lifestyle should also include a proper oral healthcare routine. Without properly cleaning your teeth, you are at risk of developing plaque around the implant which may cause bacterial infection.
Conclusion
Dental implants are long-lasting tooth loss solutions. They are made to last around 20 to 30 years with proper care. However, some factors affect how long dental implants last. Some of them are lifestyle, implant quality, skilled dentist, implant location, bone density, and medical conditions. Through proper care and precautions, you can avoid any implant failure and make it last for more than 20 years.
At Teeth and Smile Dental Clinic in Gulberg 3 Lahore, we offer our dedicated dental services. You can book your consultations online and pay a visit to the clinic to get your check up done.
FAQs
Will dental implants last a lifetime?
If you get dental implants in old age, around your 60s, they may last for a lifetime with proper care. However, if you get an implant at a young age, they are meant to last 20 years on average.
How many times can a dental implant be replaced?
Generally, dental implants last up to 20 to 25 years. After this time period, they are likely to fail. Thus they need replacement every 15 to 20 years.
What happened to dental implants after 20 years?
Dental implants undergo wear and tear every day. However, they can function normally and conveniently for 20 years. Yet there are damages to the implant or crown that may lead to failure after 20 years.
