Lifespan of a Dental Implant
Before moving forward with dental implants and the necessary procedures, it is important to consider how long your tooth replacement will last. When looking at all the factors that influence the likelihood of your success after receiving a dental implant, is choosing a dental implant over another tooth replacement option the right one?
Between dental implants and dentures, dental implants require less maintenance and are longer lasting. When people take care of their dental implants with daily at home hygiene practices and keep twice yearly dental exams, they can count on the dental implant lasting about 25 years. If you are interested in doing what you can to maximize their lifespan, then keep reading for the ways that dental implants can be properly maintained.
Pros and Cons of Having Implants Placed
No tooth replacement option is without downsides, but dental implants and their procedure are usually preferred to other options for their numerous and impressive benefits. For the people who have missing teeth that need to be replaced, they appreciate dental implants because:
- Easy chewing and biting while eating
- Clear articulation and speaking as compared to missing teeth or dentures
- Increased confidence due to improved appearance
- More comfort than missing teeth or dentures
- Easier to maintain good oral health
- Durable and strong tooth replacement
People tend to avoid dental implants for the following reasons:
- Chance of error when the dentist places the implant in the incorrect spot
- Opportunity for infections and bleeding due to surgical procedure
- Risk of loose implant due to rejection or inflammation
- Potential of damage to the remaining jaw bone resulting in bone loss
These are the most common and significant attractions and deterrents of dental implants but each person and their procedure are different. Be sure to take the time to address all your concerns with the dentist before you make a final decision. You may be at risk for other issues or complications depending on your medical history and overall health.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Many people who have had dental bridges or dentures before they have dental implants end up preferring their implants over other options and regretting the time they waited before having the procedure. If you are one of the people looking to replace missing teeth with dental implants, you can look to enjoy at least one of the following benefits:
Dental Structure Preservation
When you have one or more missing teeth, the pressure from biting down is unevenly distributed on your remaining teeth, gums and jaw bone. If this continues over time, then your mouth can experience damage and potentially more bone loss. When you replace missing teeth, the pressure is redistributed as it was when you had a complete smile. With a dental implant, the implanted post functions like a natural tooth root. The implants stimulate the jaw bone preventing bone loss over time. Without missing teeth, the skin around your mouth is supported and you will avoid unnecessary wrinkles and sagging that come with missing teeth.
Confidence
A side effect you are less likely to notice when you haven’t had any missing permanent teeth is confidence. You may notice that when you have a tooth or teeth missing, you are less likely to share your smile with other people or share your thoughts if you can’t speak them clearly. Your avoidance behaviors that you are using to adapt to life without a full set of teeth can lead people to believe you are a shy or unfriendly person when that is not reflective of who you are. After your dental implant procedure is complete, you may be so happy with the results that you can’t stop smiling or talking about it!
Convenience
You will not need to buy any additional tools or products to clean your dental implants; you will be able to care for them the same way you care for all your other teeth. You will not lose any time to extra steps in your routines. While dentures may be noticeable to others, you will probably have to inform people that you have dental implants.
Cost
Depending on where you live in the country, the experience of the dentist, and the need for any additional procedures, your dental implant will vary in cost. The procedure may cost more due to its complication based on your individual needs. When the lifespan of the dental implant is taken into consideration and the profound benefits they offer over the treatment options, dental implants are affordable.
The Longevity of Dental Implants
As mentioned above, you already know that you can expect your dental implant to last about 25 years which is significantly longer than the other tooth replacement alternatives. The actual lifespan for your dental implant can be affected by your personal oral hygiene habits, your diet, where the implant is located in your mouth, the dentist who performed your procedure, and your lifestyle.
Why Dental Implants Fail
If you are looking to understand different ways to avoid needing to replace your dental implant sooner than you hoped, these are the following ways your dental implant may fail:
- Wear and Tear- If you are someone who uses their teeth to open packages, crack open beers, or biting down on foods that are too hard like nut shells, then you are someone who is reducing the life of their implants. Based on their location in your mouth and the increased use as a result, you will have to replace dental implants in the back of your mouth before you have to replace the ones at the front.
- Unhealthy Habits- Behaviors that are considered unhealthy can cause your body to experience increased inflammation and decreased resilience. Drinking too much alcohol and smoking cigars, cigarettes, and electronic cigarettes can cause direct damage to your mouth. Your gums are affected and the health and density of your jaw bone is decreased as a result of your habits.
- Medical Conditions- While you can control your behavior, you are not able to control whether or not you develop an illness. Conditions like diabetes, cancer, gum disease, autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis, and even rheumatoid arthritis. Even medications can affect the success and lifespan of dental implants.