If you have missing teeth, dental implants are a great fix. Whether you’ve lost your teeth due to decay, disease, or injury, you’re most likely suffering from a decreased quality of life. Getting dental implants with Radiant Smiles Dental Care presents a fantastic solution to replace missing teeth. They’re a more permanent and natural-looking fixture in your mouth than other alternatives.
With that being said, understanding the lifespan of a dental implant is incredibly important when deciding if it’s the right investment for you. Dental implants can last a lifetime with the right maintenance and proper dental care. Read on to discover more about your dental implants’ longevity and how you can make them last even longer!
Key Takeaways
- With proper care, dental implants can last for 10 to 20 years or even a lifetime, depending on factors like hygiene, implant material, and lifestyle.
- Dental implants are more durable and stable than dentures or bridges, making them a preferred long-term solution despite higher initial costs.
- Implant failure, though uncommon, can occur due to infections or lifestyle factors, with symptoms like movement, pain, and inflammation.
- Failed implants can be replaced, or alternatives like dentures can be considered; early intervention is key to preventing complications.
What are Dental Implants?
If you’re considering dental implant surgery, it’s important to have a full understanding of what a dental implant is. A dental implant consists of three components: an implant, an abutment, and a dental crown.
Dental implants are essentially screws or posts that are surgically inserted into your jawbone. After the implant placement is complete and healed, your dentist will place an abutment onto the implant. The abutment connects the implant to a crown, and the implant will support the dental crown or bridge, depending on your chosen restoration.
As the implant is placed directly into your jawbone, it provides superior support, meaning your new teeth won’t shift around in your mouth. The site around the implant will feel more comfortable in your mouth, plus dental implants tend to look very similar to natural teeth.
Most patients who get dental implant surgery are between the ages of 40 to 60, though there is no upper age limit for implants.
While it may be tempting to choose an alternative to dental implants due to the lower costs, more and more patients are opting for an implant over dental bridges or dentures because of the value for money in the long term. However, implants last many years longer and are much sturdier than other dental health solutions. Additionally, the long-term costs would generally only include replacing them every 5 to 15 years.
If you’re worried about the financial aspect of implants, make an appointment for a consultation at your local dental clinic today. Radiant Smiles Dental Care offers flexible payment plans to make implants more accessible to our patients. You could also check the Australian Government’s Department of Health and Aged Care to see if you’re eligible for free dental implants.
Average Lifespan of Dental Implants
Dental implants can last a lifetime if you look after them properly! The average life of a dental implant is approximately 10 to 20 years with the right maintenance and care. A 20-year study found that dental implants show a 93% survival rate, with a 100% survival rate of dental implants over 30 years with certain implants.
Why do Dental Implants Last Longer than Alternative Solutions?
Dental implants last so long because they are infused into your jawbone and can mimic the function of natural teeth quite closely. While dentures and bridges can slip, implants provide a very stable foundation for your new teeth. This also prevents bone loss and facial sagging, and improves the health of your jaw.
In comparison, a dental bridge will last approximately 10 to 15 years, with simple dentures lasting 5 to 10 years. This longevity is why many people opt for implants over bridges or dentures. You can expect an implant to last an entire lifetime if you look after it properly and get it checked regularly!
Which Factors Influence the Longevity of Dental Implants?
Oral hygiene, the implant material used, your surgeon’s experience, and lifestyle choices can each influence how long dental implants last. As you want your implants to last as long as possible, it’s important to keep these factors in mind.
Oral Hygiene
To protect your dental implants, you should regularly brush and floss your teeth. These dental hygiene habits go a long way in protecting your implants! Bad oral hygiene and issues like gum disease can negatively influence the lifespan of dental implants.
Implant Material
The type of dental implant you have, and the quality of the implant material, can also affect its longevity. For example, titanium teeth implants may last a lot longer than zirconia, but research into the longevity of zirconia is still ongoing. Titanium implants are considered to be much sturdier than zirconia, which is why titanium is preferred for replacing more than one tooth.
Surgeon’s Experience
The experience of your surgeon is another important factor influencing your dental implants’ longevity. If you have an incredibly skilled placement, your teeth implants will almost certainly last longer. Ensure your dental surgeon has sufficient expertise and experience before operating.
Lifestyle Factors
A little, health and lifestyle factors can play a role in ensuring that your dental implants remain a permanent solution. For example, smoking and teeth grinding can negatively affect dental implants. If you have diabetes and other pre-existing conditions, these can also influence how long your artificial teeth last.
What are the Signs of Implant Failure?
Some of the most notable signs of implant failure are movement of the implant, pain during chewing, and signs of peri-implantitis. Symptoms and signs to watch out for include redness, swelling, bleeding, or pus. Implant failure is far less likely to occur when experienced professionals perform the procedure.
No one wants their implant to fail, so make sure you keep an eye out for symptoms of implant failure and infection.
Dental Failure Statistics
According to a study in the ADA’s Australian Dental Journal, the majority of dental implant failures are caused by peri-implantitis. This happens when the tissue around the implant site becomes infected and begins to break down.
As for the likelihood of whether a dental implant will fail, you’ll be happy to know that these incident rates only vary from 2 to 7.1% over 10 years, with much higher rates for successful dental implants. The chances of failure also depend on lifestyle choices; for example, smoking can cause the implant to fail.
Your dental implant is designed to replace your natural teeth, but that doesn’t mean they are invincible. That’s why it’s important to schedule regular check-ups with your dentist to monitor your implant. They will ensure you have no complications that may lead to implant failure.
Treatment Options for Failed Implants
There are several treatment options you can opt for if your dental implants fail. The treatment for dental implant failure depends on your budget and preferences.
Firstly, you can get your implants removed and replaced. A new dental implant can replace the old one quite easily, but this is certainly a more expensive option, If you do opt to replace your implant, ensure your dental implants are being placed by an experienced surgeon. If you’re having a dental emergency, we offer same-day dental implants, where we can replace your missing teeth within 24 hours.
Alternatively, you can choose a different solution for your missing teeth. If you cannot replace your implants, you could opt for dental bridges or dentures. These are more affordable than dental implants, but not as functional or natural-looking.
If you are experiencing peri-implantitis, there are also non-surgical options to consider for treatment. These include various antibiotics, as well as dental hygiene, to fight the infection.
Dental Implants as a Solution to Missing Teeth
Dental implants are an excellent long-term solution for missing teeth. Implants have plenty of benefits, from lasting an entire lifetime to comfort and aesthetics. Complications in the implant procedure are rare, and the chance of failure is low, as dental implants have a high success rate.
Dental implants can provide the ultimate replacement dental prosthetic for patients, as long as they are properly cared for. It’s incredibly important to practice good oral hygiene and have regular dental visits to ensure your implants last as long as possible.
FAQs on How long do Dental Implants Last?
What happens if you don’t replace a tooth with an implant?
If you don’t replace missing teeth with an implant, you may be facing bone loss in your jaw or even facial collapse. Ultimately, the shape of your face can change, restricting you from becoming a candidate for implants. Dental implants are considered the most effective solution for missing teeth.
What happens to dental implants after 20 years?
After 20 years, your dental implant will have some wear and tear and may need to be replaced. This is why you need to regularly have your dentist check out the implant site to ensure that you do not enter dental implant failure. If your implant needs to be changed, you will have dental implant surgery to replace it.
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