Lifespan of a Dental Implant
Dental implant treatment has become one of the most popular tooth replacement treatments sought by adults in the United States. This popularity is in large part due to the fact that implants are designed to provide the stability and security that other tooth replacement solutions do not. If you are wondering if dental implant treatment is right for you, below is a bit more information on the treatment, including what to expect for the average lifespan of an implant.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a post that is placed in the jawbone during a surgical procedure. This post is designed to act like the root of a new artificial tooth. After the implant surgery, a several month healing period is required to allow time for the implant to fuse with the jawbone in a process that is called osseointegration. Once the implant has fused with the jawbone, an artificial crown can be attached to the top. The dental implant treatment can take several months up to a year from start to completion, however, once the implant is successfully installed, it will be a permanent tooth replacement.
Pros and Cons of Dental Implants
If you are deciding if dental implant treatment is right for you there are many pros and cons to consider, including:
Pros of dental implant treatment include:
- Improved appearance
- Increased self-confidence
- Improved speaking and eating
- Increased comfort
- Improved bone health
- Increased durability
Cons of dental implant treatment include:
- Increased treatment procedure complexity
- More invasive treatment
- Difficulty with placing implants
- Longer treatment process
- Potential for infection or complications
- Risk of implant failure
You should have a conversation with your dentist to discuss the many pros and cons of dental implant treatment and how they may apply to your oral health.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants can offer a lifetime of benefits to the patient. In addition to those benefits listed above, patients can expect to benefit from the following:
- Preserving Facial Structure: Dental implants can help play an important role in supporting the structure of the mouth and jaw. When teeth are missing it can unevenly increase the pressure that is applied across the teeth, gums, and jaws, during speaking and chewing. Over time, this pressure can damage the structures in the mouth. Replacing missing teeth with dental implants will redistribute pressure evenly, preventing further damage and protecting the mouth. Additionally, when teeth are missing, the jaw and mouth begin to shrink in a process called resorption. The body recognizes dental implants as real teeth, pausing the resorption process and stopping the jaw and mouth from shrinking.
- Increased Confidence: One of the biggest benefits of dental implants that is enjoyed for many years is the increased confidence that implants create by aesthetically enhancing the smile, and improving eating and speaking function. Often, patients with missing teeth are more self-conscious of their mouth and smile than they realize. Dental implants can help to restore the smile and change your quality of life.
- Ease of Care and Maintenance: Once the implant procedure is complete, dental implants are easy to take care of and maintain. In fact, once the artificial crowns are attached, they require no extra steps to your daily routine. Dental implants can be taken care of just like natural teeth, with normal brushing and flossing.
Alternative Treatment Options to Dental Implants
If you are considering tooth replacement options, there are alternative treatment options to dental implants to consider. Some other popular tooth replacement options include removable or fixed bridges, conventional dentures, and implant-supported dentures. Bridges and dentures are less permanent options designed to fill the space created by missing teeth, while dental implants are specifically designed to replace the entire tooth, including the root. Depending on your oral health goals, these alternatives offer many benefits. However, dental implants offer more stability, security, durability, and enhanced function than many of the alternative tooth replacement options. Once placed, implants are permanent, offering a solution with a longer lifespan than the alternatives.
The Lifespan of Dental Implants
Most patients are surprised to hear that, if properly maintained, dental implants can last for 25 years or more. The lifespan of a dental implant is heavily influenced by several factors, including:
- Daily oral hygiene: One of the biggest benefits of dental implants is that they require little maintenance. However, implants still should be brushed and flossed daily, like natural teeth. Additionally, regular dental visits for checkups and cleanings play an important role in keeping the mouth healthy.
- Diet and lifestyle: You may be surprised to hear that eating a healthy diet and avoiding smoking are vital to your oral health. These lifestyle factors are even more important once you have dental implants.
- Implant location: Where the implant is located in the mouth will impact the amount of wear and tear an implant takes. Implants that are worn down quicker may need more attention to preserve.
Why Dental Implants May Fail
Another reason why dental implant treatment is so popular is because of the 95% or greater success rate. Despite their documented success, dental implants can still fail for a variety of reasons. Prior to getting implants it is important that you are aware of the potential risks so that you can avoid them.
- Excessive wear and tear: Being hard on your dental implants can reduce their lifespan. If you have implants you should avoid opening bottles or packages with your teeth, or chewing on hard items, such as pen caps and ice. Additionally, dental implants in the back of the mouth are more likely to fail than those in the front due to excessive force during everyday eating and chewing.
- Unhealth Habits: Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol can weaken the body and damage the gums and bone tissues in the mouth. If gums and bones aren’t healthy it increases the risk of implant failure.
- Medical Conditions: Although dental implants are a great option for almost everyone, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions may have more issues maintaining their implants. The medical conditions most frequently associated with implant failure include diabetes, cancer, gum disease, autoimmune diseases, and rheumatoid arthritis.