Dental implants have revolutionised the field of dentistry, offering a reliable and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional dentures or dental bridges. However, like any dental treatment, it’s important to understand their lifespan and potential issues that may arise if the proper post-care isn’t followed.
Dental implants are a hugely popular and permanent solution for tooth loss. They provide a full and natural looking smile by replacing missing or damaged teeth, and have a number of significant benefits for both a patient’s appearance and overall oral health.
If you are considering dental implants, it’s crucial to have realistic expectations regarding their lifespan. While they are designed to be a long-term solution, there are factors that can affect their durability.
In this article, we will explore how long dental implants typically last and the factors that can influence their longevity. By understanding these factors, you can make informed decisions and ensure the success of your dental implant treatment. Let’s delve deeper into the longevity of dental implants, and what affects their lifespan.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are placed into the jaw bone. The titanium implant then fuses to the bone, which acts as a foundation for replacement teeth to be fitted.
As the design of dental implants mimics that of a natural tooth structure, they are a long-lasting solution (providing they are done correctly).
How Long Should Dental Implants Last?
When it comes to dental procedures, longevity and durability are important factors to consider. Being a large investment for most people, it is crucial to understand what to expect from the treatment before going ahead.
Lifespan of Traditional Dental Implants
With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last for many years, often providing a lifetime solution for individuals seeking to restore their smile and regain functionality in their mouths.
The average lifespan of traditional dental implants ranges from 15 to 25 years, but can be much longer with the right care and maintenance. Read on for guidance on making your implants stand the test of time.
How long do All-on-4 Implants last?
All-on-4 implants offer comparable longevity to traditional implants, with a lifespan ranging from 15 to 25 years, or even more.
Therefore, longevity shouldn’t play much of a factor into whether you opt for traditional implants or all on 4 implants, as there really isn’t much difference. Depending on the number of teeth you need replacing, either traditional implants or all-on-4 implants may be more suitable, so speak to a dental expert about the best option for you.
Factors Influencing the Longevity of Dental Implants
Suitability for Implants
A reliable dental professional should fully assess your suitability for dental implants before the procedure. This should include checking your medical history, ensuring you have sufficient bone density for the implant to fuse to, and checking your overall oral health.
If you have had dental implants fitted and the proper checks haven’t been done, it may lead to the surgery being unsuccessful or could affect how long your implants last.
For most people, dental implants are safe, and a highly successful solution for tooth loss.
Correct Placement
Precise placement by a dental expert is essential for implant stability, and ultimately, success. You should only get dental implants from a qualified dentist with years of experience, and customer testimonials to back up their expertise.
Oral Hygiene
Maintaining a good level of oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do post-surgery to prolong the lifespan of dental implants. This includes regular brushing, flossing, as well as professional cleanings where recommended.
Following these simple but essential steps for keeping up good dental hygiene will significantly reduce the chances of developing any mouth diseases, such as gum disease, which could cause dental implant failure.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle choices such as smoking and/or excessive alcohol consumption can have a detrimental impact on healing. The healing process is a huge part of dental implant surgery success, so you should do everything possible to reduce complications during this time.
Adopting healthier lifestyle choices not just during the initial healing time after surgery, but for the whole time you have dental implants, will ensure they last for the maximum amount of time.
Medical Conditions
Some medical conditions can impact your suitability for dental implants by affecting the body’s ability to heal. For example, those who suffer from diabetes or autoimmune disorders.
If you have questions about whether you are a good candidate for dental surgery, speak to a professional about your options.
Following Recommended Aftercare
When it comes to aftercare, your dentist should provide thorough and easy to follow advice. This should cover the initial recovery period and what you need to do to promote healing, as well as how to care for your new implants long term.
It is vital that you attend any follow-up appointments, so your dentist can check the progress of your healing, and ensure the implants are fusing as they should.
Importance of Proper Maintenance for Prolonged Implant Health
After the full surgery process is completed and your dentist has advised that healing is going well, ongoing maintenance is generally very simple, but extremely important.
Proper maintenance is crucial for prolonged implant health because it helps prevent complications and ensures the longevity of the implant. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are vital to detect any potential issues early on and address them before they worsen.
Maintaining good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing and flossing, is also essential to prevent inflammation and infection around the implant site. Additionally, following a healthy diet and avoiding habits like smoking can greatly contribute to implant success.
Without proper maintenance, implants can be at risk of complications such as peri-implantitis, implant failure, and bone loss, which can ultimately lead to the loss of the implant.
Want to Find out More About Dental Implants?
If you are interested in dental implants and want to learn more about them, you have come to the right place. The Duthie Dental team have years of experience providing successful dental implant surgery to patients, improving their day-to-day lives and giving them back their confidence!
Have a question for our team, or want to book a consultation with us? Reach out on 0151 722 2642, or by filling out our online contact form today.
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