A perfect smile doesn’t always come naturally — sometimes, you need dental implants to help you create a healthy and beautiful smile. Since dental implants look and feel like natural teeth, you can minimize any spaces or gaps in your mouth caused by lost teeth. Not only will dental implants allow you to improve your confidence, but they’ll make it easier for you to chew and speak since the crowns are anchored into your jawbone.
But how long will this investment last you? Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is here to explain the expected lifespan of dental implants and steps you can take to help them stay in the best shape possible.
What Are Dental Implants?
If you are missing a tooth and looking for a permanent, natural-looking solution, a dental implant might be the right choice for you. An artificial tooth root is implanted directly into your jawbone with a dental implant to secure a singular or group of artificial teeth, known as dental crowns, in place.
Once the dental impact is installed, an abutment is used to connect the dental implant to the crowns and keep them in the desired spot. These dental crowns are custom fit to your mouth to blend into your existing smile. With a dental implant, you can have peace of mind.
What Is the Expected Lifespan of Dental Implants?
When considering dental implants, you’re probably wondering how long you can expect them to last. Will they allow your crowns to function normally for a lifetime? Or will they require a replacement in the next few years? You’ll be glad to know the dental implant can last your entire life when oral hygiene is maintained.
However, keep in mind that your smile isn’t only composed of the dental implant — the artificial tooth is the portion that is visible to the naked eye. While the implant can last a lifetime when taken care of, the crown tends to have a shorter lifespan of about 10 to 15 years before a replacement will be required. The location of the dental implant and crown can also impact how long they last. If the implant is in the back of your mouth, where most chewing occurs, it’s more likely to wear down quicker than an implant towards the front of your mouth.
You must follow best practices for oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing your teeth regularly, and scheduling preventative dentist visits every six months.
Will I Need Dental Implants Replacement?
In many situations, you may not need to replace your dental implants. However, if you notice that the dental implant and crown have become loose or damaged or you’re experiencing an infection, then it may be time to consult a dentist to determine if a dental implant replacement is needed.
Reasons You May Experience Problems with Dental Implants
While dental implants have a good track record for lasting upwards of two decades, some factors can contribute to the implants’ problems. Two of these reasons include:
- Peri-implantitis – This is a gum disease that causes your body to attack the implants with an infection that can cause inflammation and damage the bone surrounding the tooth. As a result, the dental implant will fail.
- Failed osseointegration – Another scenario is when your bone doesn’t grow around the dental implant as expected. When this happens, the implant isn’t secure enough to support a dental crown in place.
Along with these two conditions that lead to dental implant failure, there are other reasons why you may experience problems with dental implants. These include:
- Pre-existing medical conditions – Individuals experiencing medical conditions such as diabetes or cancer have a much higher risk of dental implant failure. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, share that information with your dentist so they can monitor your progress and detect any potential issues early on.
- Jawbone support – When considering dental implants, your dentist will need to evaluate your jawbone’s strength to make sure it can support the dental implant. If you have bone loss or lost teeth, implants might not be a viable solution without bone regeneration.
- Dental implant location – As mentioned, the location of the dental implants causes problems. If the impact is in the back of the mouth, it will be relied upon to support constant chewing. This extra use can cause the dental implant to fail more quickly than an implant in the front of the mouth.
- Teeth grinding – Those that grind their teeth at night knowing there are many adverse side effects, such as painful chewing, headaches, and jaw pain. If you constantly grind your teeth with dental implants, it can cause extra stress on the implants and cause them to chip.
If you have concerns about your dental implant or require other dental services, reach out to Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry’s team to schedule an appointment.
