Dental implants are often considered the best option for replacing missing teeth due to their awesome ability to restore them in terms of look, feel, and functionality! They’re also capable of lasting for several years, even potentially a lifetime, under ideal conditions. That said, here’s a closer look at some of the factors that influence the lifespan of dental implants, along with some tips from your dentist to help them last for a long time.
6 Key Factors That Influence the Lifespan of Dental Implants
While other tooth restorations like dentures and bridges will inevitably degrade and need to be replaced, dental implants are designed to function as permanent solutions and can last for several decades with impressive success rates. That said, there are still a few important factors to look at when considering their lifespan:
- Oral hygiene – Failing to keep your mouth clean can cause issues like gum disease that will quickly progress and affect your implants and gum tissue alike, as well as other parts of your body if left untreated.
- Osseointegration – After dental implants are placed, the posts gradually fuse with your jawbone; this fusion is responsible for preventing bone loss and supporting your facial structure. If this process is delayed or interrupted, your implants might loosen and fail.
- Hard use – Even though implants are designed to withstand daily wear and tear, if you’re applying uncommon pressure on your teeth, such as by chewing on hard objects like ice or biting your nails, you’re increasing the likelihood of damage.
- Proper implantation – You should only have implants inserted by a qualified specialist; poor-quality implants or implants that aren’t correctly placed are more likely to fail.
- Location – Implants in the front of the mouth tend to last longer than those in the back, due to the amount of pressure that is naturally applied to your back teeth.
- Illness and unhealthy habits – In some cases, patients with diabetes or other preexisting conditions are at a higher risk of implant failure. Unhealthy habits such as smoking can also affect your implants and prevent them from enduring.
Tips for Helping Your Implants Last
Here are three useful tips meant to help dental implants last for as long as possible:
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Don’t forget to floss, either; the habit is integral in the ongoing fight against gum disease, a condition that often leads to implant failure.
- Avoid poor oral habits such as smoking and tobacco use, using your teeth as tools, and biting into hard objects.
- Visit your dentist for regular preventive care; they can also inspect your implants and ensure that they haven’t been compromised!
About the Author
Dr. Hiren Patel received his DDS from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine and has proudly served patients and families in the San Antonio area for several years. His practice offers a wide range of restorative treatment options including dental implants. If you have any questions about the article or would like to set up a consultation, you can contact the practice online or by phone for further assistance: (210) 590-2736.