If you’re missing one or more of your teeth due to gum disease or tooth decay, you probably don’t feel like your best self.
Eating and smiling can feel difficult and requiring dentures or dental restoration is nothing to be ashamed of. To have that confidence back and get your smile back on your own, you could go for dental replacement options such as dentures or dental implants.
Dental implants can replace your natural tooth root and accept regular dental crowns or bridges to replace any damaged teeth. Dental implants not only look natural like your other teeth but they can last for the long run.
Here’s everything you need to know on how long do dental implants last.
Oral Hygiene
When it comes to dental implants, oral hygiene plays a vital role in how long they will last. On average, if taken care of properly, dental implants can last up to 25 years or more.
In order to ensure proper maintenance of the implants, it is important to strictly adhere to proper oral hygiene practices such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily and visiting your dentist for regular check-ups.
Additionally, it is important to stay away from sticky and hard foods that can damage the implants or cause them to shift. With proper oral hygiene and regular maintenance, dental implants can provide long-term benefits and avoid missing teeth and other tooth problems.
Teeth Grinding
Dental implants can last anywhere from ten to fifteen years on average, but the lifestyle choices of the individual will also affect how long they last. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can cause dental implants to wear down at a faster rate.
The action of clenching and grinding teeth forces the implant to move within the jawbone and can cause it to dislodge prematurely. In the worst cases, it can cause permanent damage to the implant, resulting in a much shorter implant life.
To prevent night time grinding and clenching, the patient should be fitted with a nightguard to prevent excessive wear and tear on the implant.
Biting and Chewing Habits
On average, dental implants can last several decades if taking proper care of them. Biting and chewing habits play a major role in the longevity of dental implants. The less force a person puts with their bite and chew, the longer the implant will last.
Habits such as grinding teeth while asleep, nail biting and chewing on hard food such as hard candy can wear down dental implants and increase the chances of it breaking over time. The best way to protect a dental implant would be avoiding stress on the implant as much as possible, with careful practice of chewing and biting habits.
Regular dental visits also help make sure the implant is in a healthy condition and recessed within the jaw bone. With the right habits and regular maintenance, a dental implant can last up to 20 years or more.
Lifestyle Choices
Dental implants are a great way to replace missing or damaged teeth, and on average they can last a lifetime with the proper care. However, lifestyle choices such as smoking can significantly reduce the lifespan of a dental implant.
Due to the effects of smoking on gum health and circulation, implant osseointegration can be affected and lead to dental implant failure. Heavy smokers have shown to have a ten times higher failure rate compared to non-smokers, with up to 80% of implants failing in this group.
Therefore, if you do smoke and wish to get a dental implant, you should seriously consider quitting in order to increase the chances of implant success.
Insufficient Bone
Dental implants that are placed in regions where bone quantity is insufficient can function well for several years, but they are not considered long-term solutions. If the skeleton is not sufficiently strong, over time the implant may become loose or move.
Additionally, since there is less bone in the area to begin with, it may be more susceptible to infection or abrasion. Dental implants with insufficient bone support typically last five to seven years, which is much shorter than expected from standard implants which can last upwards of fifteen years.
It is important to speak to a dentist in order to receive a personalized assessment of whether ongoing confinement is necessary to better sustain your implant. In cases of severely inadequate bone density, grafting procedures or other forms of intervention may be required in order to guarantee a longer-lasting result.
Medical Conditions
The longevity of a dental implant can depend on a variety of medical conditions, such as the health of the patient, the quality of the implant used, and the skill level of the surgeon. Generally, implants can last between five and 25 years, depending on the condition of the mouth.
Patients with healthy gums, properly placed implants, and a well-balanced bite are usually able to maintain their implants for the longest period of time. Additionally, conditions such as gum disease, bruxism, or smoking can increase the rate of implant failure.
In these cases, regular visits to the dentist for cleaning and maintenance can help to lower the chances of implant failure. If any of the adjacent teeth suffer from cavities or gum disease, then this can also contribute to dental implant failure. However, if medical conditions are kept under control, most dental implants can last an average of a decade or more before needing to be replaced.
Age
On average, dental implants can last around 30 years in adult patients when maintained properly with regular check-ups and cleanings. However, the average life expectancy of dental implants for elderly patients aged 65 and up is closer to 10 years.
The amount of time implants last for elderly patients begins to decrease due to the body’s natural aging process and the wear and tear inside the mouth.
In addition, older patients may also have an increased chance of the implant not bonding correctly due to decreased gum health as a result of age. Therefore, it is important to visit this dental office and discuss any age-related factors when considering a dental implant procedure.
Learn How Long Do Dental Implants Last
In conclusion to how long do dental implants last, on average it lasts at least 5 to 10 years, although in some cases, they can last even longer. Taking proper care of your implants is the best way to ensure that your implants will last.
Make sure to schedule regular check-ups with your dentist so that any potential issues with the implants can be addressed quickly.
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