More than a quarter of people are not satisfied with the appearance of their teeth. They reported issues like a missing tooth, stained teeth, misalignment of teeth. In addition, a whopping 30% don't show their smile because of it, reports Dentistry Today. If you fall into this category, you may be thinking about getting a tooth replacement or dental implant.
Dental implants can do more than improve your smile; they function as replacement teeth. These dental implants and implant crowns also make it easier to eat and speak. Plus, they eliminate the discomfort associated with removable dentures.
But how long do dental implants last? Is this procedure permanent? The answer depends on several factors, including how you take care of your new teeth and your oral hygiene.
Read on to learn more about the lifespan of dental implants and how to make them last longer!
Factors That Affect Dental Implant Lifespan
With proper care, dental implants can last for life. These oral prosthetics are solid and durable, with a high success rate. However, their lifespan can be shorter or longer, depending on several factors, such as:
Lifestyle habits
Oral health
State of the patient's jawbone and gums
Medical conditions
Implant positioning
Materials used
For example, your lifestyle habits may affect dental implant lifespan. In addition, cigarette smoking can increase the risk of bleeding and contribute to inflammation, soft tissue problems, bone loss, and other oral problems.
Likewise, certain health conditions can shorten the lifespan of dental implants. Poorly controlled diabetes, for instance, may lead to implant failure and complications after dental implant surgery, such as inflammation of the tissues surrounding your implants. Likewise, in oral surgery, placing even a single tooth implant with a bone graft can be risky with diabetic patients with periodontal diseases.
Your diet matters, too. Some foods and beverages, especially alcohol, coffee, tea, and sugary snacks, can stain your implants and promote oral bacteria growth.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last? How Long Can a Dental Implant Last?
Unlike dentures, these oral prosthetics are permanent. Their average lifespan is around 25 years, but they can last a lifetime. What matters most is how you take care of them.
If you're healthy and take care of your implants, they could last for as long as 30 or 40 years. Generally, dental implants require the same care as natural teeth. The porcelain covering the crowns might chip at some point, but that's easy to fix. Changing the implant-supported crowns or prosthodontics will resolve the issue.
Ideally, use a soft toothbrush to clean your implants. An oral irrigator can help, too. You should floss after eating and make lifestyle changes, like quitting smoking, to prolong the life of your new teeth.
As a general rule, avoid chewing hard candy and other tough foods as they can damage the crowns—Limit tea, red wine, caffeine, and other beverages that can stain your implants.
If you have gum disease, autoimmune conditions, or diabetes, follow the treatment prescribed by your dentist. Without adequate treatment, these disorders can shorten the lifespan of dental implants.
Learn How to Take Care of Your New Teeth
Dental implants are stronger and more durable than dentures, bridges, and other oral prosthetics. With proper care, they can last for decades. Simple things, such as brushing and flossing after every meal, can make all the difference. You can use electric toothbrushes with pressure sensors and a water flosser or an oral irrigator that sprays water to remove food around dental implants and your teeth.
If you're still wondering, "How long do dental implants last," contact us to discuss your needs. After an initial consultation, our team will tell you what to expect and recommend the best course of action.
Please make an appointment today to see how we can help!
Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Cansin (Johnson) Ozgur graduated from Istanbul University Faculty of Dentistry, also has a Master's Degree in Oral Surgery from Yeditepe University Faculty of Dentistry in Istanbul. Dr.Johnson is a Canada-Licensed Dentist working in Toronto.
He is the only Digital Smile Design Instructor (DSD Instructor) in Canada. He has been giving lectures and instructing courses on Digital Smile Design Protocol and Oral Surgery as a DSD Instructor since 2015.
He is practicing in Toronto, focusing on Cosmetic Dentistry and Oral Surgery other than General Dentistry.
Dr. Cansin (Johnson) Ozgur also teaches "Multidisciplinary Dentistry" at the University of Toronto.
Dr.Johnson has been providing comprehensive Cosmetic Dentistry treatments and Oral Surgery treatments with his multidisciplinary dentistry approach in Toronto.
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