Dental implants are an effective and popular way to replace broken or missing teeth. They are made with perfection so that they look and feel just like your other teeth.
Dental implants are an exceptional long-term option to restore your smile. As a matter of fact, the use and development of implants have been one of the biggest advances in the dental industry in the past four decades.
Titanium and other materials used in dental implants, so they are compatible with the body. The implants are posts that are placed in the lower or upper jaw with the help of surgery. They function as a robust anchor for replacement teeth.
But people think about how long dental implants last? If you are also one of them, here is a blog for you.
Read on to understand are dental implants permanent.
How Permanent are Dental Implants?
When dental implants are maintained appropriately with brushing and flossing, they can last up to a lifetime. The patients need to make sure they receive a dental checkup at least twice a year.
However, a crown generally lasts for around 10 to 15 years. After that, normal wear occurs that requires replacement. Keeping dental hygiene up to the mark can increase the life of the crown more than 15 years.
Mouth location also plays a crucial role in a dental implant’s longevity. For instance, any implants in the back of the mouth get more strain during chewing.
As a result, those implants fail more quickly compared to the implants on the front side of the mouth.
Factors Affecting Longevity of Dental Implants
If you want to know what affects dental implant longevity, here are the factors:
#1. Dental Hygiene
Once you receive your dental implants, you need to take care of them just like your natural teeth. Make sure that your gums and jaw are strong enough, as they will allow the metal root to connect appropriately. So before implants are inserted, you need to get treatment for any gum disease.
#2. Life Habits
The longevity of the implants and your lifestyle habits are interlinked, like regular drinking and smoking. So, it is very important to consider this at the start of your implant placement. Your body requires proper blood flow to the treatment area to recover effectively. Nicotine can slow down the healing process.
#3. Injury
Dental implants may have a short lifetime due to unavoidable situations. It is no secret that porcelain crowns can last up to a lifetime, but they are not unbreakable. Ceramic crowns can also crack and break like natural teeth might.
#4. Medical Problems
Any particular pre-existing medical issue can have a negative effect on the longevity of your dental implants. For instance, if you have diabetes or a weak immune system, it can affect the progress of your treatment and how long the implants will last.
Studies on Success Rates of Dental Implants
Success rate of dental implants is more than 97% for 10 years.
A study was conducted in 2021, examining the overall lifetime of 10,871 implants lasting more than 22 years. The researchers found the implant survival rates of:
- More than 98% at 3 and 5 years
- More than 96.8% at 10 years, and
- 94% at 15 years
Studies have also found that complete dentures last an average of 10 years.
The dental bridges are usually required to be replaced every 5 to 15 years.
Debunking Myths About Dental Implants
Here are some misconceptions about dental implants that you must know.
Myth 1. Dental implants are painful
Dental implants certainly need minor oral surgery, but that doesn’t mean you will suffer throughout the process. The surgery is not as invasive as it used to be, and the dentist also ensures that the area is entirely numbed before starting the surgery.
Myth 2. Implants Likely to Fail in the Long Run
Many people believe that implants are not successful in the long run, but that is not true. If you take care of your implants properly, they can last a lifetime. Implants generally fail because of an infection caused by bacteria that triggers dental disease. If you have good oral hygiene and regularly visit the dentist for check-ups, then you can easily avoid the infection.
Myth 3. Implants look artificial
Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth when restored using porcelain bridges or crowns. People can hardly notice your dental implants aren’t real. So you will easily enjoy meals and also attend crucial meetings and social events without any hesitation.
Tips to Extend Dental Implant Lifespan
Maintaining exceptional oral hygiene is important for the longevity of dental implants. Here are some vital practices to include in your daily routine:
Brushing –
Follow the twice-daily habit of brushing, but keep one thing in mind. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and embrace the art of circular motions. This is how you can not only take care of your delicate gum tissue but also protect your implant crowns.
Flossing –
It is as crucial as brushing, particularly around the implants. Always use dental floss to clean between your implant and the adjacent teeth. It will remove the food particles and plaque that could lead to gum disease.
Avoid Tobacco –
Smoking can increase the chances of implant failure and replacing failed dental implants is even more challenging.
Antimicrobial Mouthwash –
Strictly use an antimicrobial mouthwash that is prescribed by your dentist. It will minimize the risk of any possible infection around the treatment area. This approach will keep any threats to the stability of your implant at bay.
Regular Dental Checkups –
You should schedule dental cleanings and thorough checkups with your dentist. Contact a dental clinic to know how often you should visit the dentist with dental implants.
Advancement in Dental Implant Technology
Dental implants have become very successful in a short time as a tooth replacement method. It has emerged as a great alternative to bridges and dentures.
They have become affordable to a wide range of people due to the latest dental implant technologies. Today, various types of implants are available, which are as follows:
- Standard Implants
- Implant Overdentures
- Mini and Micro Implants
- Subperiosteal Implants
- CAD/CAM Implants
- Implants for bridges
Lifelong Benefits of Dental Implants Over Dentures
Dental implants have numerous benefits, which are as follows:
Improved Chewing Ability –
People with dentures often face difficulty chewing. However, the dental implants are fixed like natural teeth. Thus, you can eat food with confidence and without pain.
Better talking ability –
You can mumble while speaking with dentures in your mouth. On the other hand, implants let you speak without the teeth slipping.
More Comfort –
The gums change their shape over time. As a result, the dentures usually get loose. But you don’t face such problems with implants.
Improved oral health –
Fungi and bacteria can live in any crevices and cracks in the dentures. Thus, it can make the gums sore and can even infect them. Implants allow easier access between your teeth, so you can floss regularly, improving your oral health.
Improved Appearance –
Implants look like natural teeth, so they significantly improve your smile. As a result, you will feel confident about yourself.
Take the Next Step Towards a Lasting Smile: Schedule Your Consultation Today!
If you have missing or broken teeth and are looking for a lasting smile, then you must opt for dental implant treatment.
All you need to do is keep all the aforementioned information in mind. Also, look for a reliable dental clinic that has expertise in dental implant treatment.
G4 by Golpa is highly experienced in the dental industry and is known for providing complete dental solutions. We are located in Las Vegas, Dallas, and Tysons with outstanding facilities, now schedule a consultation with our experienced dental implant specialists today!
