Dental implants are regarded as the best method of tooth replacement that modern dentistry offers. But how long do tooth implants last? Stay on the page to learn more about implants, dental implant surgery and factors that affect how long they last.
Firstly, what are dental implants?
Dental implants are small screw-like devices used by dentists to replace damaged or missing teeth. They consist of three parts: the metal post, the abutment and a dental crown.
Titanium posts are inserted into the jawbone during dental implant surgery and act as artificial tooth roots to support a replacement false tooth or crown. Over time, the implant post fuses with the surrounding bone and gum tissue to become a permanent long-term fixture in the mouth.
But how long do tooth implants last?
Theoretically, the titanium implant post can last a patient’s lifetime, while the ceramic dental crown will likely need replacing around the 15-year mark. While dental implants are a permanent fixture in the mouth, they don’t last forever. However, studies have reported a 90-95% survival rate of dental implants over ten years.
That said, dental implants can fail in the weeks, months or years following dental implant surgery.
Now you have a clinical answer to how long do tooth implants last, let’s look at the reason that dental implants may last longer or less than the figures mentioned
Oral hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene is critical to the lifespan of dental implants. Patients that brush and floss their teeth thoroughly each day and visit their dentists regularly for check-ups and cleans are likely to keep their implants for longer.
Foods and chewing habits
Foods that are hard, sticky or crunchy can have a negative impact on the lifespan of a dental implant. Dentists will tell you to avoid these foods while your mouth is healing. Grinding your teeth and clenching can also impact how long your dental implants last.
The skill of the dentist
Choosing a dentist experienced in dental implant surgery will also affect the success of your implant. A poorly positioned or fitted implant will not last as long as an implant that has been placed with precision and care.
Location of the implant
An implant placed at the back of the mouth is unlikely to last as long as an implant placed in the front of the mouth for the simple reason that the back teeth have to withstand more pressure from chewing. So in answer to how long do tooth implants last, it’s fair to say it also depends on their location in the mouth.
Smoking
Smoking and dental implants are not a good combination, and dentists will insist that patients refrain from smoking for the entire duration of the implant procedure.
Smoking is known to slow down healing, preventing the implant from fusing with the bone in the weeks following dental implant surgery.
Integration with the jawbone is critical to the implant’s success.
Medical conditions
Your overall health will also affect how well your body accepts dental implants. Patients with diabetes may be more at risk of early implant failure, which is why your dentist may want to consult with your doctor to check the condition is under control before giving you the go-ahead for dental implant treatment.
Bone density
Like natural teeth, dental implants are supported by the jawbone, so it’s essential to have a healthy, dense supply of bone in which the implants can be placed. If your teeth have been missing for some time, bone loss is likely to have occurred. While this won’t prevent you from having dental implants at a later date, a bone graft may be needed to give the implant a better chance of success.
Do you have any more questions about how long do tooth implants last?
Do you have any more questions about dental implants, or would you like to book a dental implant consultation? At My Local Dentists, our highly experienced dentists use top-quality Osstem implants and the latest technologies and work closely with patients to help them keep their implants for as long as possible.
References
PubMed – Summary Review of the Survival of Single Crowns
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19146146/
NCBI – Factors Affecting the Survival Rate of Dental Implants: A Retrospective Study
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5774056/
NCBI – Smoking and Dental Implants
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3894084/
NCBI – Dental Implant Survival in Diabetic Patients: Reviews and Recommendations
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3961886