Let us delve deeper and see how caring for dental implants
can impact their longevity.
How Long Does a Dental Implant Last?
Dental implants, when you care for them and maintain them
well, should last a lifetime. There are limits to everything, but even
with average care, a dental implant can last up to 25 years or more.
As with your teeth, the key to a dental implant lasting
comes from proper maintenance, but there are other reasons for failure as well.
Reasons for Failure
Often, when your dental implant shows signs of infection, it
is a failure on one or all of these 4 factors. Keeping up with these elements
can make sure your mouth stays happy and healthy.
1. The Patient’s own Hygiene Regimen
Brushing and flossing remain the strongest ways to help
prevent damage and decay in your mouth. Dental implants don’t change this, and
many implants fail far too soon when people neglect their basic dental
practices.
Keeping a consistent regimen of cleaning and care can go a
long way, but even that cannot prevent other issues from arising. It's also strongly recommended to have a professional cleaning at least every 6 months.
2. Biting and Chewing
Many people do not consider how or what they bite into and
chew to affect their teeth health. The obvious issues come from biting into
hard items over and over. The more rigid and jagged the item is, the more it
will dig and scrape into your dental implants.
Grinding your teeth is also another common but hidden issue
most people have. This can be a result of stress, poor eating habits, or even
jaw misalignment.
3. Implant Quality and Location
Sometimes the problem can be the implant itself. If the
implant comes from cheaper materials or not made to a certain quality, it can
break down fast. Installation can be a key factor. If an inexperienced dentist
put your implant in wrong, it may break down fast.
Even a quality implant in an awkward location can reduce its
overall lifespan. The teeth in the back of your mouth receive a good deal more
pressure than those in your front, so implants back there can wear down faster.
4. The Introduction of Damaging Substances
The introduction of damaging substances can also contribute to implant failure. The
biggest two are smoking and drinking. Any tobacco product can wear away at the
gums and teeth, leaving them open to disease and failure. Even extra amounts of
cleaning may not be enough to keep up.
Drinking may have more subtle impacts, but heavy amounts of
alcohol can still wear down tooth and gum health, leaving your implants
vulnerable.
My Philosophy
I am certified in multiple implant products, and I consider
myself to be quite experienced in the field of dental implants. Personally, I choose to involve an Oral
Surgeon for the implantation of the anchor of the system I choose, as they
specialize in procedures altering the bones of the jaw and mouth. We work very closely, because as the cosmetic dentist, I am the one who designs the finished prosthetics and your overall
smile architecture, making sure your teeth align properly and functionally.
I perform this service in my West Hartford Center dental office and my New Britain dental office.
If you have missing teeth or you are currently wearing traditional dentures but would like implant-supported dentures, contact us online, or call
us at 860-561-2121.
With a better understanding of how long a dental implant
lasts, you can make an informed decision on whether a dental implant is right
for you. The good news is that if you maintain a healthy oral lifestyle, dental
implants will be a fine addition that will last you a lifetime!
Keep smiling,
Dr.Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD is a private practice dentist with offices in West Hartford Center and New Britain, Connecticut. She is a Clinical Instructor at the UConn School of Dental Medicine, and has won several awards naming her regional “Best Dentist” and “Top Dentist.” She is an active member of the Connecticut State Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Tel: 860-561-2121
