Know the Truth: How Long Do Dental Implants Remain Effective

Summary:

Losing a tooth or teeth is common! Growing up, you can lose your pearly whites for several reasons, including poor oral health or accidents, among other issues. 

In such a situation, implants for teeth are the go-to option for over 156+ million Americans missing one or more teeth. Dental implants have transformed the practice of dentistry by providing a permanent treatment for missing teeth that closely resembles the appearance, feel, and function of natural teeth.

Interestingly, however, most individuals visiting our oral clinic are concerned about their fixtures’ long-term viability and efficacy. Most patients want to know the appliance’s longevity before opting for it. 

Considering the level of questions and confusion of individuals, we’ve listed out a few aspects of the dental implants treatment, namely:

• Understanding Dental Implants
• Factors Affecting the Longevity of Oral Implants
• Longevity of Dental Implants
• Tips for Maintaining Implants

So continue reading as we understand more about the lifespan of dental implants in the following sections.

Understanding Dental Implants – What is the Appliance About?

Dental implants are oral devices that are surgically put in your jaw to restore your aesthetics and chewing ability. When a tooth is lost due to an accident or illness, a person may suffer problems such as fast bone loss, impaired speech, or changes in chewing patterns that cause discomfort. 

Replacing a missing tooth with an implant can significantly enhance a patient’s quality of life and health. 

Different Aspects of the Dental Implant Treatment

Implants for teeth consist of an implant body and an abutment, which may additionally comprise an abutment fixation screw. These appliances support prosthetic teeth like crowns, bridges, and dentures. 

The implant body is surgically implanted into the jawbone instead of the tooth’s root. The abutment extends through the gums into the mouth to support the attached prosthetic teeth and is typically connected to the implant body by the abutment fixation screw.

Longevity of Dental Implants – How Long Are They Designed to Last?

While individual experiences may differ, studies have shown that dental implants have a success record of more than 95% ten years following insertion. Many individuals can have implants guaranteed for the rest of their lives if cared for properly.

Research shows fixtures can last 20 years or more with adequate maintenance and frequent checkups. Long-term studies have proved the durability of implants, with many patients reaping the advantages of their implants for decades without incident.

However, it is critical to understand that dental implants for teeth are susceptible to problems and failure. Implant loosening, infection, peri-implantitis (inflammation surrounding the implant), and implant fracture are all possible issues but are uncommon. 

Early identification and timely action are critical in treating these difficulties and extending the life of fixtures.

Factors Affecting the Longevity of Oral Implants

Lifestyle

The implant’s lifetime can have a substantial influence on lifestyle choices, such as regular drinking and smoking. As a result, addressing this at the start of your implant placement procedure is essential. 

Your body needs enough blood flow to the treatment region for your implants to heal properly. Unfortunately, nicotine’s effects on your bloodstream, oxygen supply, and blood circulation may slow down your healing process.

Specific Medical Conditions

Specific pre-existing medical conditions may also influence the lifetime of dental implant replacement. Diabetes or a damaged immune system, for example, might impact how effectively your therapy works and how long your implants will survive before needing to be replaced.

If you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, you may be more susceptible to infections, and your body may take longer to recover and mend. Your ability to appropriately manage your diabetes will impact how long your dental work lasts. If your diabetes is not controlled, you are more likely to become ill and experience organ failure.

Current Dental Hygiene

After having a dental implant done, you must continue caring for it in the same way you would your natural teeth. You must ensure that your gums and jaw are robust enough to allow the metal root to join correctly. 

Before implants are placed, any gum disease must be addressed, and your dentist in Irving, TX, will assess if your jaw is thick enough to hold an implant firmly. Although titanium and a porcelain crown are on top, the teeth and gums around the implant are susceptible to deterioration.

Pressure Put On Your Teeth

Chewing on hard and crunchy foods might harm your implant’s life. This might cause substantial wear and tear. Avoid exerting too much pressure on the teeth. Never try to open something challenging with your teeth. Slowly and gently chew.

Tips for Maintaining Implants

Visit your dentist regularly.

Ensure you visit your dentist regularly. Routine cleanings are just as beneficial to dental implants as to natural teeth. Not only will your dentist be able to detect any early symptoms of implant failure, allowing for a timely intervention, but your hygienist will gently remove plaque that has accumulated around your gums. This dramatically lowers the chance of implant infection.

Use mouth rinse

Antimicrobial mouth rinses are a great way to improve the longevity of dental implants. Rinsing your cavity can help prevent bacteria growth in your mouth. These mouth rinses help lower your risk of implant infection. Consult your periodontist about if a mouth rinse is appropriate for you.

Healthy diet

One of the benefits of obtaining fixtures is that you may eat and drink anything you want without making significant lifestyle changes. However, we recommend letting your coffee and tea cool somewhat before consuming. Avoid challenging meals, particularly raw vegetables. Also, avoid sticky candy such as taffy and gum.

Firm aftercare

Following your initial implant treatment, you will receive comprehensive instructions for rapid recovery. You must strictly adhere to these rules for the duration specified by your surgeon. Compliance with these recovery principles will add a long life to dental appliances.

Use a soft nylon brush

After receiving fixtures, you may need to switch toothbrushes. 

This is because nylon toothbrushes contain flexible and gentle bristles for your fixtures. A Proxabrush can also clean areas around your appliance that are tough to reach.

Avoid toothbrushes with rough bristles since they might harm the surface of your implants. After your fixtures, you should avoid cleaning your mouth with any metal utensil. Instead, brush and floss twice a day. 

Avoid abrasive products

Once you get your appliance, you should use delicate cleaning products, whether toothpaste or mouthwash, as often as possible. Too abrasive products might cause severe pain. 

You should avoid oral hygiene products with strong scents like mint or cinnamon, as they might generate an unpleasant sensation and impact your dental implant life. 

Takeaway

• Dental implants provide a natural smile to anyone who has lost a tooth or teeth due to poor oral hygiene or some accident. 

• When cared for properly, dental implants can last for a lifetime. Long-term studies have proved the success of your appliance (with some patients) lasted over 20 years.
• Following dietary advice and preventing behaviors such as tooth grinding are critical for keeping appliances functional.
• Understanding the truth about implants can result in a healthy, attractive smile for years. Learn more about the appliance with our Gentle Dentistry of Las Colinas experts.