If you’re considering tooth replacement options at Central Periodontics, you may be wondering how long you can expect these implant systems to last in the long term. What are the success rates of dental implants at 10 years, or even 20 years? Will my artificial teeth ever fail? What happens if the implant site becomes infected?
In this article, we’ll answer everything that you need to know. Read on and see why a dental implant can be an ideal way to restore confidence in your smile.
How Long Do They Last?
When we’re talking about the lifespan of dental implants, it’s important to make a distinction between dental implants and implant-supported restorations.
- Dental implants are the actual artificial root of your tooth. This is the rod or screw-shaped piece of titanium which is surgically implanted into your gums and jaw bone. The implant provides an attachment point for an artificial tooth.
- Implant-supported restorations are the artificial teeth which are used to complete your dental implant, like a dental crown for a single-tooth dental implant, or a fixed bridge or implant-supported denture for a full-arch restoration
While dental implants can last 20+ years, implant-supported restorations often do not last that long. Dental crowns usually need to be replaced about every 10 years. Similarly, implant-supported dentures require periodic replacements, whilst fixed implant bridges typically also need to be replaced before dental implants.
Because of this, you should expect to replace your implant-supported restoration at some point during your lifetime, even if your dental implant never fails or requires replacement.
What Is The Success Rate Of Dental Implants?
Dental implants have a 98% success rate after placement, and a survival rate of about 85% after 15+ years. When they are performed by an expert implant dentist, implant failures are even more uncommon.
With proper care, by doing things like seeing your dentist for regular oral exams and teeth cleanings, controlling chronic illnesses like diabetes properly, ceasing smoking, and performing good oral hygiene, you can easily extend the lifespan of your implant.
Dental Implants Can Be Replaced, But This Is Not Usually Necessary
Serious side effects are quite rare for dental implants placed by an expert implant specialist, such as Dr Sethi. In the case that a dental implant fails prematurely, or fails because a patient did not take proper care of it, the implant can usually be replaced. If, however, there is an extensive infection at the site of the implant then an alternative such as a bridge or denture may be necessary.
Why Would A Dental Implant Need To Be Replaced?
The most common reason for a dental implant requiring replacement is “peri-implantitis.” This happens when the gum tissue around the implant becomes inflamed and infected. It can often be treated with surgery, but in advanced cases, the implant may need to be removed and replaced.
Major oral trauma from a car accident or a slip and fall could also dislodge or damage the implant, requiring its removal, but this is relatively unlikely.
Finally, an implant may need to be replaced if improper oral hygiene or untreated bad habits – like clenching and grinding the teeth – lead to permanent damage to the implant.
Maximizing The Lifespan Of Your Dental Implants
So, how can you make sure that you maximize the lifespan of your dental implants and of your implant-supported restorations? Mostly, the best way you can maximize the lifespan of your dental implants is to use common sense and care for your teeth properly.
- Proper oral hygiene – Above all, you need to maintain proper oral hygiene by brushing and flossing every day. This is particularly true if you have dental implants as well as natural teeth. Your implants need to be cleaned and maintained just like a normal tooth, in order to prevent infection and keep them healthy.
- Regular dental visits – Just like proper oral hygiene, seeing a dentist every six months to have your teeth and implants cleaned and inspected is the best way to catch potential issues like infections early and ensure you maximize the lifespan of your dental implants.
- A healthy lifestyle – Avoiding excessive consumption of sugar and starch, minimizing alcohol use, ceasing smoking, and making other similar lifestyle changes will result in a healthier overall mouth and a longer lifespan for your implants.
- Avoid habits that may damage your teeth – You should avoid using your teeth as tools. Don’t do things like tear open bags with your teeth, or chew on non-food objects like pens, pencils and fingernails. These kinds of habits can eventually damage your implant and its restoration.
- Choose the right dentist – A key part of maximizing the lifespan of your dental implant is choosing the right dentist who will place your implant properly. Your dentist must also ensure that your implant has fully healed and integrated with your mouth; before attaching the restoration.
Get Started With Dental Implants At Central Periodontics Today!
At Central Periodontics, we are experts in dental implants. Our aim is to provide you with a beautiful, long-lasting artificial tooth that will restore your appearance and confidence in your smile. Get in touch today, and learn more about the implant process – take the first steps towards restoring your smile!
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.