Dental implants have been the go-to option for millions of Americans with missing teeth for many years. Patients with lost teeth, tooth decay, periodontal disease, or infection consider implants a wonderful option.
However, while they’re at their nearest clinic for a tooth implantation procedure, most individuals have a similar question in mind:
How long do dental implants last?
While implants are designed to be permanent and rarely suffer from any complications, the answer to this can be challenging.
In this blog, we aim to understand more about permanent implant teeth and the reality behind the claims. So continue reading as we uncover the facts associated with the longevity of dental implants in the following sections.
Are Dental Implants Permanent?
Many applicants think dental implants are forever thanks to their build and quality. However, permanent tooth implants are a ‘myth.’ Yes, they are designed to last, but the maximum lifespan of dental implants is up to 25 years (or more in some cases).
However, whether your permanent implants will last forever depends on several factors, namely:
- How well you care for your appliance and follow a cleaning regime like brushing, daily flossing and consulting a dentist every six months.
- Your oral habits, like biting or chewing down on extremely hard items.
- Your lifestyle and overall health
Factors Influencing The Failure Of Dental Implants
If we look at it, there are numerous reasons your dental implants could fail. Here’s an overview of some of the factors influencing the possible failure of implants:
Insufficient Care & Maintenance
Even the best dentist in Lubbock recommends adequate oral hygiene once you opt for implants. Oral health is a crucial factor for your implants, much like it is for your natural teeth.
Professionals suggest this because plaque accumulation can cause gum diseases, further damaging your jawbone and gums. When plaque builds up around an implant, it’s called peri-implant disease.
Therefore, you could avoid such bacterial build-up using the following tips:
- Flossing daily
- Brushing at least twice a day
- Limiting your sugar intake
- Regular dental checkups every 6 months
Regular Smoking
Studies suggest an increased risk of implant failure in smokers (11%) compared to non-smokers at 5%. In addition, smoking can interfere with blood flow to the injured region, which harms osseointegration and the healing process.
Therefore, avoiding smoking after implant surgery is wise, as it could lead to implant failure. What’s more? You’re also at a chance of increased gum disease due to smoking.
Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding is another leading cause of implant failure. Regular teeth grinding could result in a fracture of the implant, fracture of the crown’s porcelain, or loosening or rupture of the screw. This happens due to the possibility of implant shifting due to trauma or repetitive grinding motions that might hinder the osseointegration process.
Different Medical Conditions
Your medical condition also plays a significant role in the success of your permanent teeth implants. Several medical conditions have a higher chance of implant failure, including:
- Diabetes
- Bleeding disorders
- Age
- Osteoporosis
- A weakened immune system
These factors are some of the leading causes of failure in dental implants. So now that we have an idea of the possibilities, let’s have a look at the process that follows.
What Happens If An Implant Fails?
There are various indicators of a failing implant, namely:
- Pain while chewing or biting.
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Receding gums
- Pus
- Signs of peri-implantitis
Once you find yourself struggling with your ailment, visiting your consultant at Lubbock dental implants is important. Your dentist or periodontist will remove the appliance using local anesthesia.
Once done, they’ll replace the dental implant at the same site. However, before a new implant is put in, there are potential alternative treatments if you decide against replacing a faulty implant or cannot repair the same.
Lastly, if there isn’t much bone loss, your dentist might also suggest opting for peri-implantitis. In this process, the expert thoroughly cleans the implant and its surroundings before decontaminating and treating the area.
Now You Know!
This brings us to the end of our blog on dental implants and how they can affect oral health. Looking at the different aspects of the process, it’s evident that dental implants have a lifespan of up to 25+ years when cared for.
However, since numerous factors are involved in the process, ensure that you’ve researched and consulted with professionals in the business. All the best!
Trust The Best With Lubbock Dental Care!
Dental implants tend to last a lifetime when fixed by professionals. But don’t risk your oral health to any professional. Instead, visit our Lubbock Dental Care & Orthodontics experts to make the most of your dental implants and oral health today. Book an appointment or call us at 806-687-8492 to know more.