If you have (or you're scheduled to get) dental implants, you might be wondering how long they last. Read our article to learn the answer.

Do you have one or more missing teeth? Have you considered getting a dental implant? Did you know that 3 million Americans have dental implants and 500,000 more Americans get them each year?

When considering implants, many people ask, “how long do dental implants last?” Continue reading to find answers to this question and many more.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants replace missing teeth using an artificial root placed in the jawbone. A crown is then placed on this root to achieve tooth replacement. Having a dental implant creates the most natural replacement for lost teeth.

These implants have the strength and stability of a natural tooth. You can regain confidence in eating, laughing, talking, kissing, and speaking. There’s no need to worry about your tooth falling out.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

A big question on many people’s mind is often, “are dental implants permanent?” Experts vary in their answers about the longevity of dental implants. They often report that with good care they can last many years.

A National Center for Biotechnology Information study showed 89.9% were still in use at 25 years . Placement of the first titanium occurred in 1965 . At the time of the patient’s death in 2006, the implant was still functioning after 40 years.

Factors That Affect How Long a Dental Implant Lasts

Dental implants require the same level of oral hygiene as your normal teeth. It’s also important to have dental cleanings and checkups every six months. There are several factors that impact the life expectancy of implants.

Location in the Mouth

Implants located in the back part of the mouth have increased strain on them with chewing. This may shorten the implant’s lifespan.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease describes infections in the gums that cause inflammation and tissue destruction. If left untreated, it can destroy bone tissue as well. If it’s not treated soon enough, implant failure may occur.

Bruxism

Bruxism describes a condition where someone clenches and grinds their teeth. This increases the stress on teeth and the implant. When it’s not treated, it can lead to implant failure.

Smoking

A known risk factor for implant failure is smoking or using tobacco. Smoking increases the incidence of peri-implantitis. This causes swelling in the gums and heightens the risk of bone loss.

Diabetes

Diabetes poses a risk throughout the body for organ and tissue damage. When diabetes is well controlled, the risk of implant failure decreases. Thus, diabetics can have successful dental implants.

Implant Misuse

Habits or activities that pose a threat to normal teeth also risk implants. Some examples include chewing or biting on hard objects such as pencils or pens. Opening bottles or other items with your teeth can also damage the implant crown.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants provide the only option that helps maintain normal bone mass. Implants help to preserve dental structure by stimulating bone growth in the jaw. Dentures and other replacement options contribute to bone loss.

The benefits of an implant also include a replacement that looks and functions as a normal tooth. Implants can improve speaking, swallowing, nutrition, social interactions, and personal confidence.

Alternatives to Dental Implants

You do have other options for the replacement of lost teeth. These include:

A fixed bridge that’s supported by your natural teeth
Partial or removable denture appliances
Complete removable dentures
Resin-boned bridges often used to replace front teeth

These options may benefit those who have lost too much jawbone and aren’t eligible for bone grafts. They may also prove useful as a temporary measure before implant placement.

Advantages of Dental Implants

Since dental implants support themselves, there's no strain on the adjacent teeth. The tooth-supported bridges stress the attachment teeth. This can result in decay and infection.

Full dentures are large and cover the upper palate. This impacts the ability to taste, chew foods, speak, swallow, smile and more.

Dentures also slip and move on the jawbone. This contributes to sores and bone loss. As described, dental implants stimulate the bone and increase bone production.

Components of Dental Implants

The dental implant process takes place in several steps.

Implant

The first step is the placement of a slender titanium post or implant into the jawbone. In 1952, Swedish orthopedic surgeon, P.I. Branemark found that titanium naturally fuses with the bone.

This implant serves as the artificial root for the replacement tooth. Once the implant is inside the jaw, the bone fuses to the post. This process takes time, so you will wait for complete healing before moving to the next step.

Abutment

Once the implant has fused with the jawbone, an abutment is put in place. The abutment is a connector placed on top of the implant. It serves to support and hold the crown in place.

Crown

The tooth replacement or crown is often made from ceramic. After the abutment placement, the doctor makes an impression of your mouth. This impression provides the mold for creating the ceramic crown.

These custom-made crowns match the color and shape of your natural teeth. This crown is then secured to the abutment.

Why Dental Implants Fail

Several factors can impact the longevity of dental implants. As mentioned, smoking increases potential implant failure rates. In fact, smokers have a two and a half times greater risk of failure than a non-smoker.

Short-Term Failure

Osseointegration, a lack of bonding between the bone and implant, often causes failure. This may happen due to low bone density, smoking, or uncontrolled diabetes. Signs of implant failure include pain, bleeding, and looseness of the implant.

Long-Term Failure

Implant failure after the implant and jawbone have healed represents a long-term failure. Peri-implantitis is the most common cause of this type of problem.

This ongoing infection impacts the gum and, over time, the bone. Symptoms of peri-implantitis include pain, pus, and bleeding.

Long-term failure may also occur if the implant screw or abutment breaks or loosens.

Are You Seeking Dental Care?

Do you have missing teeth? Is this interfering with your social and physical well-being? If you answered yes, dental implants may provide the solution you are looking for.

This article discussed information to help you understand all about dental implants. It also answered the question, “how long do dental implants last?”

Dental & Implant Center of Edgewater in Edgewater, NJ offers dental implant services. Our staff provides state-of-the-art care in a comforting environment.

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