How long do dental implants last? What to know

Anyone who has dealt with tooth loss knows that missing even a single tooth can affect your confidence and self-esteem, not to mention your diet. Fortunately, effective and long-lasting solutions exist. Dental implant restorations are a durable and long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. Designed to look and feel like natural teeth, they let you speak, eat, and smile like you did before tooth loss.

Made from materials like titanium and zirconia, dental implants are built to last a lifetime. However, the quality of the restoration itself as well as your care and maintenance habits can influence its lifespan. If you’re wondering how dental implants work and how to make them last a long time, let’s explore the factors that influence their lifespan and how you can keep yours in top shape.

What factors prolong the life of a dental implant?

Your dental implants are an investment, so how do you make them last? Here’s what you need to know when considering dental implants near you:

Choose high-quality materials

A titanium implant bonds to your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. While titanium is a popular implant material in the market, zirconia is a ceramic alternative that offers strength and aesthetics. High-quality implants made of reliable materials may last longer. When it comes to dental implant crowns, zirconia is a strong option. Porcelain and ceramic offer slightly less durability but a natural look. Resin and acrylic crowns may be cheaper but more prone to wear and chipping.

Maintain good oral hygiene

Brushing your teeth and implants twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush can keep bacteria away. Use floss or a water flosser to clean around the implant as needed.

Follow a diet low in sugar

What you eat on a daily basis affects the life of your implants and surrounding tissues. A high-sugar diet can lead to plaque buildup, which may contribute to gum disease. Try a balanced diet with fewer processed foods (and less sugar) to help reduce the odds of plaque buildup and maintain good health.

Get regular dental checkups

Routine visits to your dentist are a key element of maintaining dental implants. Your dentist will check for signs of gum disease, implant wear, or bite misalignment. Catching potential issues early can prevent complications and prolong the life of your implant. Regular professional cleanings help remove plaque and bacteria that could compromise your implant’s stability.

What factors can shorten the lifespan of dental implants?

Here are some reasons why dental implants may fail, get damaged, or not last as long.

Trauma or injury

One wrong bite on ice or hard candy (or even an unexpected fall) can put your implant at risk. Too much force can loosen or potentially lead to implant failure. Protect your investment by wearing a mouthguard when playing sports.

Smoking

Studies show that smokers have a higher risk of dental implant failure than non-smokers. Nicotine can slow healing and raise the risk of infection, which is why dentists often advise quitting smoking.

Allergy to titanium

A sudden fall, an accidental hit, or even chewing on something too hard can harm your implant restoration. Too much pressure might loosen or damage it. To keep your smile secure, use a mouthguard during sports or while sleeping if you grind your teeth.

Infection and gum disease

Peri-implantitis is a condition similar to gum disease that affects dental implants. It occurs when bacteria accumulate around the implant, leading to inflammation and bone loss. Poor oral hygiene, smoking, or untreated gum disease can increase the risk of infection. Regular dental visits and proper oral care can prevent this issue.

Bone loss

Your dental implant needs a healthy jawbone for proper osseointegration. This helps the implant feel stable. Peri-implantitis, gum disease, or even osteoporosis can cause bone loss even after your implant has healed in place. Over time, bone loss in the jaw may weaken the support for an implant, causing it to become loose.

Dental implant treatment can transform your smile, boost your confidence, and give you a new lease on life. But implant restorations need the right precautions and care to last a lifetime. Practicing good oral hygiene and getting regular checkups can go a long way toward helping your implants look and feel great for years.

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Name: Sonakshi Murze
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