Ideal long-term solutions for replacing lost teeth, dental implants look, and can be maintained, much like natural teeth. Patients evaluating dental implants to restore their smiles often want to know how long their restorations can be expected to last. This article will examine the typical lifespan of dental implants and the various factors that influence their longevity.
What Are Dental Implants Made of?
Dental implant technology has advanced over the past decades to the point where failure due to functionality issues or rejection are exceptionally rare. Backed by decades of clinical research, innovation, and use, dental implants offer long-term success rates of up to 98%.
One of the primary contributors to the longevity of dental implants stems from the materials they are made of. A dental implant is comprised of three components:
* Implant – A small metal post that is surgically placed directly into the patient’s jawbone that acts as replacement tooth roots. While available in non-metals, such as Zirconia, titanium has long been used in implant dentistry because of its superior biocompatibility properties that are vital to the proper fusion between the implant and jawbone.
* Abutment – A connector which fastens to the implant and holds the replacement prosthetic crown. Implant abutments are commonly made of titanium, cast gold, stainless steel, or Zirconia.
* Crown – The false tooth which mounts on the abutment. Typically, crowns are made of porcelain or ceramic providing a natural looking and functioning restoration.
Unlike the dental implant that is embedded in the jawbone, the abutment and crown are left exposed and actively used to bite and chew food. As such, these components are more prone to damage than the implant post itself.
Typical Lifespan of a Dental Implant
By practicing a thorough oral hygiene routine that includes daily flossing, brushing, and routine dental check-ups, the implant post can last the patient’s lifetime. However, the crown generally will need replacement every 10 to 15 years because of the wear and tear it undergoes on a daily basis. If the patient maintains excellent oral hygiene and avoids anything that could damage it, the crown could last beyond 15 years.
Where an implant is placed in the mouth can also impact its longevity. Because they are more actively involved in chewing, implants placed towards the back of the mouth tend to wear out faster than those placed towards the front of the mouth.
What Can Cause a Dental Implant to Fail?
When taken care of properly, dental implants are ideal long-term treatments for damaged or missing teeth. However, there are situations or conditions that could lead to premature implant failure. Underlying health conditions, such as cancer or diabetes, can increase the risk of the patient’s implant failing. Should the patient have untreated periodontal disease or tooth decay, bone loss in the jaw could occur causing the implant to loosen or fall out. As such, properly cleaning the implants and natural teeth every day through flossing and brushing is vital to maintain sound oral hygiene necessary to prolong the lifespan of the restoration.