Lifespan of a Dental Implant
Thousands of adults in the United States are investing in dental implant treatment each year. The popularity of dental implant treatment is because dental implants are uniquely designed to provide the stability and security that other tooth replacement solutions do not. If you are considering investing in dental implants, you may be wondering how long you can expect a dental implant to last. Below is a bit more information on the dental implant treatment and the lifespan of an implant.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are metal or ceramic posts that are surgically placed in the jawbone. Once placed, the post is designed to act like the root of a new artificial tooth. A several month healing period is required after the implant surgery to allow time for the implant to fuse with the jawbone. Once the implant is secure in the jawbone, an artificial crown can be attached to the top. The total implant treatment process takes several months up to a year. Once implants are installed, they are designed to be a permanent tooth replacement solution.
Pros and Cons of Dental Implants
There are many pros and cons of dental implant treatment that you need to consider when deciding if the treatment is right for you. Here are a few pros and cons to weigh as you consider:
The pros of having the dental implant procedure include:
- Improved appearance of the smile, increasing self-confidence
- Improved speaking and eating function
- Increased comfort over alternative solutions
- Improved oral health
- Increased durability
The cons of having the dental implant procedure include:
- Increased treatment procedure complexity and difficulty with placing implants
- Potential for infection or excessive bleeding
- Risk of implant failure
Those listed above are some of the most significant pros and cons of dental implant treatment, more of the benefits are discussed below. You should have a conversation with your dentist about advantages or disadvantages that may apply directly to you and your oral health.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
As mentioned, dental implants offer many benefits that improve overall quality of life for the patient. In addition to those benefits listed above, patients can expect to benefit from the following:
- Preserving Facial Structure: Dental implants play an essential role in supporting the structure of the mouth and jaw. When teeth are missing, pressure applied during speaking and chewing is unevenly distributed across the teeth, gums, and jaw. This pressure can cause damage to the structures in the mouth. Replacing teeth with dental implants will redistribute pressure evenly, preventing damage and protecting the mouth. Additionally, without teeth holding their place, the jaw and mouth begin to shrink in a process called resorption. Once dental implants are placed, the body recognizes them as real teeth, pausing the process of resorption and stopping the jaw and mouth from shrinking.
- Increased Confidence: One of the lesser-recognized benefits of dental implants that is enjoyed for many years is the increased confidence that comes with having an aesthetically improved smile and improved speaking function. Patients with missing teeth are often more self-conscious of their smile than they realize. Dental implants offer a smile that you can be proud of.
- Ease of Care and Maintenance: Once the dental implant procedure is complete, dental implants require no extra time or steps to your daily routine. In fact, dental implants can be taken care of just like natural teeth.
Alternative Treatment Options to Dental Implants
If you are considering dental implant treatment to replace your missing teeth, that are alternative treatment options available, including a removable or fixed bridge, conventional dentures, or implant-supported dentures. Bridges and dentures are designed to fill the space created by missing teeth, while dental implants are specifically designed to replace the appearance and function of missing teeth. While these alternatives offer benefits, the benefits of dental implants usually outweigh those of the alternatives. For example, dental implants are more stable than dentures and allow patients to eat whatever they want, with no dietary restrictions. Once placed, implants are permanent, offering a much longer solution than these alternatives.
The Lifespan of Dental Implants
Patients are often surprised to hear that if properly maintained, dental implants can last for 25 years or more, which is far longer than most alternative tooth replacement treatments. The lifespan of your dental implant is directly impacted by several factors, including:
- Daily oral hygiene: One of the biggest benefits of dental implants is the little maintenance that is required. But implants still require twice daily brushing and flossing like natural teeth. Additionally, regular preventive dental visits for checkups and cleanings are important to keep the mouth healthy.
- Diet and lifestyle: Eating a healthy diet and avoiding smoking are important to your oral health. These lifestyle factors are just as important if not more important once you have dental implants.
- Implant location: Implants that are located in places in the mouth that take more wear and tear will need more attention to preserve.
Why Dental Implants May Fail
Dental implant treatment is popular in part because implants have a very high success rate. But dental implants can still fail for a variety of reasons. It is important that you understand these potential risks so that you can avoid them and avoid the chance of your implant failing.
- Excessive wear and tear: Being hard on your teeth and dental implants can reduce their lifespan. This means once you have implant treatment you should avoid opening bottles or packages with your teeth, or chewing on hard items, such as pen caps and ice. Due to the difference in pressure during eating, dental implants in the back of the mouth are more likely to fail than those in the front.
- Unhealth Habits: Smoking cigarettes and excessive alcohol consumption can weaken the body and do damage to the tissues in the mouth. This can negatively impact the longevity of dental implants.
- Medical Conditions: Although dental implants are a great option for almost anyone, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions may face issues with the lifespan of their implants. The medical conditions that are most frequently tied to implant failure include diabetes, cancer, gum disease, autoimmune diseases, and rheumatoid arthritis.