Dental implants are clearly your best option for tooth replacement — though they are also one of the most expensive. It’s a considerable investment, after all. But how long does a dental implant last?
Like just about everything else in life, that depends on a number of factors, mainly your lifestyle and overall dental hygiene.
The good news is the science of dental implants has advanced to the point that failures due to rejection or functionality issues are now very rare. The most common reasons for a dental implant failing include:
- Misuse of the implant
- Pre-existing medical conditions
- Disease
But most dental implants last a long time, providing you take care of yourself and your new tooth.
What is a Dental Implant Made Of?
Dental implants are designed to last a long time. They are made of solid materials. The implant itself is either a ceramic or zirconia post that is surgically embedded into the jawbone of a patient and serves as a root for the crown. The abutment is what’s fastened to the implant. It holds the crown. The crown is a ceramic false tooth fixed atop the abutment. The crown looks and functions like a natural tooth.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Here’s the thing: You take care of your dental implant, the implant screw will last a lifetime. But you’ve got to take care of your oral health. That means making that dental checkup and cleaning every six months. The crown, on the other hand, may last only 10 to 15 years before it needs to be replaced due to wear and tear. But if you take excellent care of your teeth, you may indeed get the crown to last a lifetime. The answer is up to you.
Why Dental Implants Can Wear Out Overtime
There are two main factors that lead to dental implant failure: peri-implantitis and failed osseointegration. These failures tend to occur within the first few years or even within 6 months of your oral surgery.
Peri-implantitis is a gum disease that attacks your implants with an infection that damages the bone around the tooth. The condition can result in a loose tooth.
Failed osseointegration happens when the bone grows around the implant, essentially making it too secure so it doesn’t have the flexibility to breathe. This is a problem related to bone quality. It can be common in people who smoke, or if your mouth has had any bone grafting.
As we mentioned, lifestyle and dental care can also impact how long your dental implants will last. We use highly advanced technology so failure rarely occurs due to rejection or functionality. But other factors such as pre existing medical conditions, misuse of your implants, and disease can affect how long your implants will last.
If you smoke, have diabetes or other medical conditions such as cancer, you may have a higher rate of failure. You’ll also need to have a healthy jawbone because the implants ideally fuse with your jawbone. Cheekbone implants can be done in rare situations, but tend to have a higher failure rate.
If you don’t have enough jaw bone, we can do bone regeneration beforehand. This is a process of grafting bone material onto the jawbone to strengthen it. The bone will take a few months to integrate with your original jawbone, so there is some healing time required.
How to Avoid Dental Implant Failure
Want to avoid dental implant failure so they last a long time? The key is to have regular appointments with your dentist every 6 months so they can check your progress. Cleanings are also important because it prevents excess buildup around the dental implant.
Considering Dental Implants?
If you are thinking about dental implants, you could see your regular dentist. It may be worth getting a specialist with advanced knowledge in oral surgery. They can help circumvent any potential problems to ensure a beautiful dental implant that lasts a long time.