How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

A dental implant is a great long-term option for tooth replacement. Dental implants look like your natural teeth and require the same maintenance that natural teeth do. When you undergo a dental implant procedure, the implanted part of the tooth will be placed into your jawbone to act as the root for your artificial tooth. After the implant material has been successfully placed, a prosthetic tooth called a crown will be screwed down onto the implant.

In general terms, a dental implant is designed to be a permanent replacement for your lost tooth. So far, studies show that dental implants have an up to 95% success rate over ten years. However, it is possible that your dental implant can fail in the months or years following placement into your jaw. This article will look into some of the factors that contribute to dental implant failure and how to avoid or control them.

First, Some Specifics About Dental Implants

Before we talk about dental implant failure, it is important to understand how the implant process works. After placement, dental implant structures become bonded to the bone tissue of your jaw through osseointegration, so they are meant to be a permanent part of your mouth. After osseointegration occurs, the implant material remains fused with your bone tissue and can serve as a strong foundation to hold your prosthetic tooth.

Although the implant itself is designed for permanence, the prosthetic tooth, or crown, can require replacement over a period of time due to the normal wear and tear of daily use. In fact, more than half of all crowns will need to be replaced in about fifteen or twenty years of use.

There are two types of implants: Endosteal and subperiosteal. Endosteal implants are placed directly into the jawbone, while subperiosteal implants are placed on top of the jawbone but under the gums. Subperiosteal implants are used when a person doesn’t have enough healthy jawbone for implant placement, or they cannot undergo additional procedures.

Endosteal implants have a higher success rate than subperiosteal types, possibly because there are already some underlying issues such as substandard bone mass.

What Factors Influence Dental Implant Failure?

There are a number of factors that can influence the longevity of your dental implants:

1. Poor Oral Hygiene

Plaque build up can contribute to gum disease that can affect your implant. Early stages of plaque build up around the implant site is called peri-implant disease. If it progresses without treatment, it is called peri-implantitis and can cause implant failure. To avoid this:

• Brush twice a day, at least
• Floss every day
• Limit sugar-rich foods
• See you dentist every six months for checkups

If you have any gum pain or sensitivity around your implant, see your dentist immediately.

2. Loss of Bone

Your implant needs a strong jawbone to stay anchored. If there is not enough jawbone to secure it, it can fail. Some people with insufficient bone will have a bone graft or sinus lift before implant placement to offer proper security but bone loss can also happen over time. Factors such as peri-implant disease, osteoporosis, and other health conditions can all impact bone health.

3. Smoking

Smoking interferes with blood flow to the implanted area which can affect proper osseointegration and interfere with healing. This may be why implant failure rates are double for smokers over nonsmokers.

4. Other Factors

Other factors that can affect dental implant longevity include bruxism or teeth grinding; medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or congestive heart failure; immunosuppressive drugs, radiation therapies, and blood thinners; and even age. In fact, some implants fail in older adults due to a slower healing process or even underlying medical conditions.

If you think you are experiencing dental implant failure, it is important to see your dentist immediately to increase your chances of keeping your implant intact. Signs of implant failure include:

• An implant that wiggles or moves
• Pain while biting
• Peri-implantitis, including gums that bleed, are swollen, red, or receding

Any abnormal sensations in the implant area should be taken seriously to avoid having to replace your implant. Remember, early treatment of many issues is the key to a good overall outcome.

What Happens if A Dental Implant Fails?

If your dental implant fails, your dentist will remove it using local anesthetics. In some cases, the implant can be replaced. The success rate for implants replaced in this manner is around 71%. However, where bone loss has occurred in the implanted area, you may need a bone graft before your dentist can place the new implant.

If you cannot — or choose not to — replace your dental implant, you can rebuild your smile using dentures or dental bridges.

Considering Dental Implants in Torrance?

If you are missing one or more teeth, a dental implant can be a beautiful and permanent solution for a lasting smile. At Dentist of Torrance, we are well-versed in the latest surgical techniques and dental implant technologies to bring you the greatest chance of a successful, long-lasting implant.

If you’re in the Torrance area, please make an appointment to see Dr. Barkhordar to find out if you are a good candidate for dental implants.

Ready to fill in those empty spaces with a permanent new smile? Contact us at (310) 651-7660 and find out if dental implants are the right choice for you today!