Do Dental Implants Last Forever? What You Need to Know!

For people considering dental implants, one question they usually ask is, “Do dental implants last forever“? Dental implants are structures installed into an individual’s jawbone that act as permanent teeth replacements.

According to a study conducted by the National Institute of Health, a 95% success rate is seen for dental implants over the course of 10 years, making them a long-term solution. In this article, we will cover how long do dental implants last and what are the factors that lead to their failure. We will also touch upon the best practices to ensure dental implants last close to forever.

Do Dental Implants Last Forever? 

Before we answer do dental implants last forever, let’s understand how dental implants work. Dental implants serve as a replacement for lost teeth. The installed structure consists of two parts: the implant itself, which is installed in the jawbone, and the crown, which is the prosthetic tooth attached to the implant. 

For a dental implant to be installed, a hole is drilled into the jawbone where the implant is fixed. Dental implants are made to last forever as they are directly in contact with the bone and are permanently integrated with the surrounding bone tissue.

The average lifespan of the implant is 10-30 years, while the crown may need to be replaced every 15-20 years. Another study conducted by the NCBI on over 10,000 patients showed a 96% success rate over the span of 15 years. Given that most patients need dental implants in their late 50s, we can say that dental implants last forever in most cases.

Factors Affecting How Long Dental Implants Last

Note that the primary reason for dental implant failure is when the implant isn’t properly integrated with the surrounding bone tissue due to an interference in the healing process. Here are some factors that cause this:

Improper Installation or Negligence

The dentist in charge of the implant may have failed to properly diagnose the gum and jawbone, leading to improper implant installation. Moreover, wrong implant positioning, such as installing the implant at the wrong level or placing it too close to adjacent teeth, also leads to dental implant failure in the long run.

Lastly, poor-quality implant or crowns installed by the dentist is also a probable reason for implant failure, which shows the doctor’s negligence.

Improper Care and Maintenance

Sometimes, the fault may lie at the receiver’s end. Unhealthy lifestyle choices are also a major reason why dental implants don’t last forever. Excessive drinking of alcohol is a commonly identified issue. Since alcohol dehydrates your body and mouth, it leads to bacteria buildup, ultimately causing gum diseases and implant failure. 

Smoking stains teeth and leads to gum diseases, which can cause dental implant failure. Unhealthy eating habits, such as chewing on hard foods like ice, nuts, and candy, can also cause movement in the implant location, leading to a damaged implant. Sugary foods and foods high in acid are considered bad as they deteriorate the enamel on the crown and result in implant failure, too.

Lastly and most importantly, poor oral hygiene is a leading cause of dental implant failure. Irregular brushing and flossing leads to gum diseases and is a contributing factor to a damaging dental implant.

Trauma and Accidents

Unforeseen events like accidents can dislocate or seriously damage the implant, leading to its failure. Moreover, bad habits such as teeth grinding and using your teeth as tools shift the implant position, leading to infections and, ultimately, implant failure. 

Health Conditions and Insufficient Bone

The reason for a failed implant may be an underlying health condition that remains unattended and directly hinders the implant healing process. This can be a gum infection or a density issue. Additionally, insufficient bone is another issue that makes implants unsuccessful in a short period. Since implants are directly installed into the bone, it is very important to have a strong bone structure that supports the implant.

How to Make Dental Implants Last Longer?

As everyone knows how long does dental implants last, let’s talk about some best practices to lengthen the lifespan of the implant and lead a happy life:

Choose the Right Dentist

Choosing the right dentist is one of the most crucial factors determining how long dental implants last. Choose a doctor who is adequately trained, has hands-on experience with implants, and can provide a guarantee of service. The right dentist also guides you on the best implant type suitable for your case and always disregards poorly designed implants.

If you are searching for a reliable dentist with professional experience installing implants, and that too at an affordable price, A-Plus Dentistry is a great option.

Implement Proper Hygiene 

Simple dental hygiene, such as brushing your teeth two times a day and flossing them once a day, can drastically increase the lifespan of your dental implants. It is also good practice to brush your teeth every time you eat something very sweet so bacteria don’t stand a chance.

Avoid Unhealthy Habits

As mentioned above, alcohol consumption and smoking lead to dental implant failure. To mitigate this risk, try to completely avoid or at least cut down on these substances as they directly hinder the implant healing process. Additionally, avoid unhealthy eating habits such as chewing on hard foods and consuming excess of sugary foods. Maintain a balanced diet that is good for both your body and teeth. 

Conclusion

So, do dental implants last forever? Yes, in most cases, but various factors such as proper installation, professional treatment, on-point maintenance and hygiene, and healthy consumption habits are in play. Remember that dental implants are a reliable and long-term solution to lost teeth, and proper maintenance and care are the keys to maximizing your investment.