What are dental implants?
Dental implants are false teeth made from a titanium artificial root and a porcelain crown. The root fuses to the jawbone to provide a strong foundation for the porcelain crown, which is implanted to the root and is designed to match the colour and shape of the rest of your teeth.
How to maintain your Dental Implants
Maintaining your dental implants is essential to their longevity. Dental implants can last for many years and even a lifetime.
Dental implants require regular care to maintain proper hygiene and keep them looking their best.
If you have had an implant placed recently, then special care should be taken during the healing period. Brush at least twice daily with a soft-bristled manual or electric toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Additionally, use a water flosser or interdental brush between the teeth and under any implant bridges, as well as flossing under the bridge if applicable. You should also invest in a sulcus brush which is a very thin toothbrush specifically designed to clean the line between different types of dental work such as crowns, bridges and implants. Finally, rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash for further cleaning power. Following these simple steps will ensure that your implants remain in good condition for years to come.
What is the implant procedure?
Dental implants are designed to be a permanent replacement for missing teeth, and with proper care and maintenance, they can last a lifetime. On average, dental implants have been shown to last up to 15 years or longer depending on the individual’s oral hygiene habits and other factors such as grinding or clenching of teeth. Regular check-ups with your dentist are also important to ensure your dental implants remain healthy.
How long do implants last?
Dental implants are a permanent solution for replacing missing or damaged teeth. They are designed to last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance, though the lifespan of the implant can vary from person to person.
Factors such as oral hygiene, diet, age, and genetics can all influence how long an implant will last. With good oral hygiene habits, including regular brushing and flossing, as well as regular visits to the dentist for check-ups and professional cleanings, dental implants can last up to 20 years or more.
The crowns that sit on top of the dental implants may need to be replaced every 10-15 years due to wear and tear.
What factors can influence whether a dental implant will fail?
Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and provide long-lasting results. On average, dental implants can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years, or even longer with proper care and maintenance. The longevity of the implant depends on several factors such as how well you take care of your oral health, the quality of the implant material used, your overall health, and the amount of force put on the implant. To maximize the lifespan of your dental implants, it is important to maintain proper oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing daily and seeing your dentist for regular check-ups. Additionally, avoiding habits like grinding your teeth can help prevent damage to the implant or surrounding teeth.
Some other factors are:
Insufficient bone for dental implants
For dental implants to be successful and last for many years, a patient must have sufficient bone in which the implant can be securely placed. Without enough bone, it may be difficult or impossible to place the implant in the proper position and secure it firmly.
Smoking
Smoking with a dental implant can be dangerous for your long-term oral health. Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime, but smoking can significantly decrease their lifespan. Studies have shown that people who smoke after getting a dental implant have a higher risk of implant failure than non-smokers.
Smokers are twice as likely to experience gum disease than non-smokers. Smoking lowers your immune system, making your body less able to combat a gum infection, and can also interfere with your body’s healing process and any treatments your dentist prescribes.
Medical conditions
There are certain medical conditions that may affect the longevity of a dental implant. Medical conditions such as diabetes, smoking, and poor oral hygiene can increase the risk of failure with having a dental implant.
What happens if an implant fails?
If a dental implant fails, it may be due to insufficient osseointegration (integration of the implant with the jawbone), poor oral hygiene or gum disease, injury or trauma, or a damaged prosthetic such as a crown. The cause of failure will determine the course of action taken by your dentist. In some cases, a failed dental implant can be replaced with another one.
How to treat a failed implant?
When it comes to dental implants, there is no definitive answer as to how long they will last. While an implant can potentially last a lifetime, it is important to remember that it also depends on how well the implant is cared for. Poor oral hygiene can lead to increased chances of implant failure.
If a dental implant fails, it must be treated immediately in order to prevent any further problems.
