How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants are intended to be permanent, and 90-95% of them are successful after ten years. At Blessing Dental Care, we provide a lifetime warranty on all dental implants.

Many dental implants endure at least 20 years; however, the implant may live longer than the crown. A crown and abutment can be connected to the implant many months after it has been placed to allow it to integrate with the bone. An abutment is a post that joins to the implant and extends through the gum to support the crown. Research indicates that 50-80% of crowns endure 15-20 years. This is due to the crown’s regular wear and tear, which makes it more vulnerable than the implant. The crown is much cheaper than the implant and easier to replace. Although largely effective, dental implants can fail months or years after they are implanted. Let’s take a closer look at the aspects that influence dental implant lifespans.

What affects the lifespan of dental implants and why do some dental implants fail?

Quality of your jawbone. If you do not have enough jawbone to form a secure base for the implant, or if you have a medical condition that affects the bone in your jaw, the implant may fail.

Before considering an implant, your jawbone will be extensively analysed, which may involve the use of X-rays or 3D modelling. If there is insufficient bone, you may have a treatment to produce new bone to serve as an implant site.

Certain medical problems, including osteoporosis and peri-implant disease, might cause your jawbone to deteriorate over time. Osteoporosis makes bones more weak and prone to breaking under mechanical force, while peri-implant disease promotes gum inflammation at the site of a dental implant.

Peri-implant illness. Peri-implant disease occurs when plaque accumulates around a dental implant. This is treatable in the early stages, but if left untreated, it can progress to peri-implantitis around the implant.

Peri-implantitis is gum inflammation that can cause implant failure. As a result, proper oral care is essential following a dental implant.

Tooth grinding. Some people grind their teeth repeatedly while sleeping or under stress. Bruxism is the medical term used to describe teeth grinding. This can cause the implant’s screw to loosen or fracture (break). This is because repetitive tooth-grinding motions might create microscopic movements in the implant, disrupting the osseointegration process.

Damage or injuries.
Ceramic crowns linked to implants, like regular teeth, can break or be damaged, potentially leading to the need to be replaced. Common methods to ruin a ceramic crown are:

Eating sticky or chewy foods.
Chewing hard materials, such as boiled sweets or ice
Using teeth to open bottles or packaging.
Facial trauma or injury.

Your dental implant (and natural teeth) should only be used to eat and chew meals. Using your teeth to open bottles or packaging can dramatically impair the lifespan of prosthetic teeth.

Your dentist or surgeon may be able to repair a broken ceramic crown without replacing it. This is determined by whether or not the metal root has been injured, as well as the level of crown damage.

If your jaw is traumatised, your dental implant, like any other tooth, may be knocked out of place. If this happens, you may need to wait for your jaw to heal before having any implants reinserted.

Medical Conditions and Medication
Certain medical disorders can reduce the longevity of your dental implant. People with cancer, particularly those getting radiotherapy and radiochemotherapy, are at a much higher risk of late dental implant failure. Other medications that can impair the success of a dental implant include blood thinners and immunosuppressive drugs.

Which teeth were replaced?
The type of tooth replaced and its location in your mouth influence the longevity of your implant. The teeth near the rear of your mouth are subjected to more frequent pressure while chewing food, thus they may not last as long as a tooth with a lesser involvement in chewing.

Age
People aged 60-79 are much more likely than those under 40 to experience dental implant failure. One possible explanation is that elderly persons heal at a slower rate than younger people.

How to prevent dental implant failure and extend the lifespan of a dental implant

There are various strategies to extend the life of your new dental implant. Some factors (such as age) are beyond your control, but you can make choices to increase your chances of receiving a long-lasting implant.

Avoid smoking and excessive drinking.
Smoking and heavy drinking can have a significant impact on the lifespan of your dental implant. Smoking increases the risk of bacterial plaque forming around your implant, which can lead to peri-implantitis and the need to be replaced. Smoking reduces oxygen levels in your bloodstream, slowing healing throughout your body and affecting the implant placement. Your gums are more likely to become infected and heal improperly. Quitting smoking around the time of surgery lowers the incidence of surgical site infections. You should also wait at least 72 hours following implant surgery before consuming alcoholic beverages. Alcohol thins your blood, so drinking too soon after surgery may prevent a blood clot from forming in your gums. Excessive drinking also promotes dehydration, which can impair recovery at any stage of the healing process following surgery. If your gums become too dry, they may not recover properly.

Brush and floss your teeth!
Dental implants require the same care as natural teeth. Although the titanium root of the implant and its ceramic crown are decay-resistant, the surrounding teeth and gums are not. Even once the implant is in place, you are still at risk of developing gum disease, which can lead to implant failure. As a result, maintaining good oral hygiene is critical for the longevity of an implant. This is also necessary to avoid harm to your remaining teeth and the necessity for future dental implants. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing every day will enhance your gum health and reduce plaque buildup around your implant and surrounding teeth.

Visit the dentist every six months.
If you’ve had dental implant surgery, you should schedule regular follow-up appointments with your dentist. Your dentist will be able to detect any signs of gum disease and advise you on the best ways to maintain your implant healthy, as well as any necessary treatment.

Dental Implant Treatment with Blessing Dental Care

At Blessing Dental Care, we pride ourselves on our comprehensive approach to oral health, addressing common dental problems and improving the appearance of your teeth. Whether you need routine dental care for cavity prevention or are looking to transform your smile with porcelain veneers, our team of skilled general and cosmetic dentists is here to serve you. We understand that each patient has unique needs and aesthetic desires, which is why we tailor our services to match your requirements.

Choosing between a general dentist and a cosmetic dentist depends on your specific dental problems, oral health needs, aesthetic goals, and whether you need treatments like dental implants or dentures. At Blessing Dental Care, we’re equipped to handle both, ensuring you receive the highest quality care regardless of the service you choose.

Cosmetic Procedures – Cosmetic Dentist Services

Whether you have stained or discoloured teeth, missing teeth, gaps between teeth, or misaligned teeth, a skilled cosmetic dentist can help you achieve the smile of your dreams. With advancements in dental technology and materials, cosmetic procedures are now more accessible and affordable than ever before.

If you are considering enhancing your smile with cosmetic dental services, it’s important to choose a reputable and experienced cosmetic dentist. Look for a professional who has a proven track record of successful outcomes and who uses the latest techniques and tools. During your consultation, be sure to discuss your goals and concerns with your dentist, so they can create a personalised treatment plan that aligns with your unique needs. Whether you want to achieve a Hollywood-worthy smile or simply want to address minor imperfections, cosmetic dentistry can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?