Dental implants are a useful type of dental technology that has the potential to replace damaged or lost teeth. Dental implants appear similarly to natural teeth and can give a patient a restored smile in instances where this element of their appearance may have suffered. But how long will a dental implant last?
However, there is some benefit to knowing: How long will a dental implant last? Understanding this information has the potential to give you a more effective and ultimately rewarding experience with your procedure, as well as whether you will need to return to replace your implants from your dentist.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a singular artificial dental prosthetic that is typically used to replace a damaged or lost singular tooth. Dental implants are designed to mimic the appearance and feel of one’s natural teeth, meaning that most patients will find that they feel quite natural in the mouth.
How Long Will a Dental Implant Last?
Dental implants are designed to last for several years, and most patients will find that their own will last for at least 10 years. This has been found in the vast majority of studies that have attempted to measure the general duration of dental implants.
Many patients will find that their own implants will last about 15 years. This means that a good many patients will not have to return for a replacement implant for some time. That being said, the longevity of your dental implant is somewhat dependent on the amount of maintenance and care that you apply to it as well.
What Impacts Dental Implant Longevity?
There are several factors that can impact the overall longevity of your dental implants. Becoming familiar with these elements has the potential to recognize the kinds of behaviors that might negatively impact your own.
Dental Care and Maintenance
One of the most important ways that you can ensure the overall longevity of your dental implants is by engaging in regular dental cleanings and checkups. Although a dental implant is not the same as a natural tooth, it is vulnerable to the impacts of neglect and decay. Remembering to brush and floss everyday, as well as engage in the other aspects of normal dental health, can help ensure that you maintain optimal health in your dental implants.
Medical Conditions
There are certain medical conditions that have the potential to impact your dental implants in a negative manner. Understanding that they could alter your experience with your dental implants can help you plan around these factors. Some of the pre-existing conditions that could impact the longevity of your dental implants include:
- Periodontal disease
- Osteoporosis
- Medical conditions the affect the bones
- Diabetes
- Bleeding disorders
- Cardiovascular disease
Smoking
Tobacco use and smoking has been shown to be very detrimental to both one’s natural teeth and gum health, as well as the health of artificial implants. Continuing to smoke after receiving implant treatment carries the distinct possibility of implant failure for vulnerable patients.
Medications
Another element that has the potential to interact with the longevity of your implant is the medications that you might be taking. Some medications can thin or thicken the blood, impacting the way that your body interacts with your dental implant. Some examples of the medications to stay wary of include:
- Blood thinning medications
- Immunosuppressive drugs
- Radiation therapy
Before you receive any actual dental work, you will discuss with your dentist what kinds of medications you are on and how they might interact with your implant.
What Occurs During Implant Failure?
There are many possible effects when an implant fails due to its interactions with the rest of the mouth. Some of the signs that your implant might be failing include the following:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Receding gums
- Bleeding
- Pus
- Movement in the implant
- Pain
If you believe that your implant is failing, it is possible to treat and remove it prior to it completely falling out the mouth. During this procedure, local anesthesia is applied to the mouth and the failed implant is removed. Depending on the state of your health and the area of your mouth surrounding your implant, a new one may be installed, or other dental fixtures such as dental bridges or dentures may be recommended.
The Best in Southern California
My Dentist Anaheim is completely dedicated to offering patients the finest quality dental work in Southern California and beyond. If you have questions about whether or not you should receive dental implants, contact us today to set up an appointment and start looking your best.