If you’ve ever wondered “are dental implants permanent” or “how long do tooth implants last,” this article is for you. All the information you need about this proven solution for your smile is below. Dental implant durability has gotten even better recently, which makes them more popular than ever. Therefore, if you want to improve your oral health and chewing ability, getting dental implants is a wise choice.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants provide a replacement for your missing teeth. They look natural and help you avoid feelings of insecurity as you flash your grin to the world. To begin, your dentist takes a titanium screw, and then attaches it to your jawbone during surgery. By fusing the implant to your jawbone, it becomes a long-term solution for your teeth. Once the surgery is over, you’ll regain all the functions of your teeth, including their appearance.
Are Dental Implants Permanent?
Generally speaking, dental implants are permanent. However, it’s possible you’ll need your bridge or crown replaced. The expected lifespan of a crown ranges from five to 25 years, depending on its original quality. While dentures used to serve this function, dental implants provide a higher quality solution. In fact, dentures usually exceed their usefulness in approximately seven years. Meanwhile, as long as you take care of them, your dental implants can last a lifetime. Plus, they won’t move or shift, which makes them appear to be your real teeth. See also Dental Implants for Seniors
Factors That Affect the Durability of Dental Implants
Four main factors in implant lifetime can play a role in their overall durability. Let’s examine each factor separately:
- Bone health – Maintaining longevity of dental implants requires good density and bone mass. In fact, some implants have to wait until after your jawbone is built up via bone grafting. Essentially, if your jawbone isn’t strong, it’s possible to suffer a failed implant treatment.
- Oral hygiene – It’s necessary to care for your dental implants in the same way you would care for natural teeth. In other words, you’ll need a solid oral care routine that includes brushing, flossing and rinsing. Take proper care of your permanent tooth replacement or suffer the consequences of a dental implant failure.
- Material quality – Three main materials are used to create dental implants: Titanium, zirconia or ceramics. Each style has pros and cons, but overall, titanium is the best choice.
- Lifestyle choices – Your daily lifestyle choices play a big role in the lifespan of dental implants. If you quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption and avoid damaging foods such as ice, this full dental restoration will last.
Types of Dental Implants and Their Lifespan
Now that you understand what choices affect your implants, it’s time to look at the various types of implants available: Single dental implants – If you’re missing a tooth, getting a single dental implant is the perfect way to ensure you have a nice smile. The implant’s screw takes the place of your missing tooth’s root.
- Full mouth dental implants – This procedure replaces both arches. Your existing teeth are removed to make your full mouth dental implants permanent. You’ll have a full, new smile.
- Full arch dental implants – If you’ve lost most of your upper or lower teeth, you’re a candidate for full arch dental implants. This offers natural-looking results, along with full function and improved bone health. See also Full Arch Dental Implants in Los Angeles
- All-on-4 dental implants – Again, a full arch of teeth is removed. In their place goes all-on-4 dental implants, which means that four dental implants hold up prosthetic teeth. See also All on 4 Dental implants in Los Angeles
- Implant-supported dentures – Having implant-supported dentures can bring the cost down a bit. Rather than replacing your entire mouth with implants, you’ll have a special set of dentures that attaches to your jawbone. These provide several benefits over regular dentures, including heightened comfort and appearance. Additionally, they can help prevent bone loss and are more stable than regular dentures. See also Implants Supported Dentures
How Long Do Mini Dental Implants Last?
Mini dental implants are the one exception to permanent implants. These last for approximately five to 10 years. On the positive side, they’re much more affordable than regular dental implants. They also provide a good way to temporarily replace any lost teeth. They basically serve as a bridge to get you from where your teeth are now to getting a regular implant in the future.
How to Care for Dental Implants to Maximize Their Lifespan
Just like with your real teeth, it’s vital to take proper care of your dental implants. There are three major things you’ll need to do:
- Daily oral hygiene practices – Caring for dental implants requires the same oral hygiene practices as real teeth. You’ll need to brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush. Furthermore, floss and rinse with mouthwash at least once a day. Be sure to brush your teeth with a gentle technique to avoid harming your gums.
- Regular dental check-ups – Visit your dentist regularly to ensure your implants are doing well. Professional cleaning is also necessary.
- Avoiding damaging habits – Best dental implant care practices include steering clear of damaging habits. This means no nail biting, teeth grinding or chewing on hard objects. Additionally, don’t use excessive pressure when chewing or use your teeth to open packages. Keep your teeth in good shape through daily oral hygiene. Also, don’t smoke and limit your alcohol consumption.
Benefits of Dental Implants Compared to Other Options
It’s critical to look closely at every factor when you’re considering dental implants vs bridges. For instance, dental implants look like real teeth and offer a more permanent solution. However, they’re also more expensive than getting a bridge or dentures. Let’s dig more into this subject by comparing the three options.
Bridges
Bridges need a replacement within five to seven years. They have a lower cost than implants, but they’re also not permanent. By the time you’ve replaced your bridge a few times, you could have purchased implants. It’s also necessary to go for regular dental cleanings. Otherwise, you could develop gum disease.
Dentures
Unfortunately, dentures are easily broken. They also need to be refitted from time to time. Sadly, they might also move around in your mouth, which causes difficulty with talking and eating. Furthermore, they can alter your face frame and may even cause mouth sores. Plus, you’ll have to maintain them on a daily basis by putting them in an overnight cleaning solution.
Dental Implants
Dental implants come with a higher cost, but most dental insurance plans will help. They have the durability to last for a lifetime, as long as you take good care of them. Additionally, no one will know you’re wearing implants by looking at them. Simply use regular oral hygiene tactics, including brushing twice a day, to keep them looking great.
Can Dental Implants Fail?
Approximately five to 10% of dental implants fail. However, be aware that up to 20% of smokers face an implant failure. As previously mentioned, failure can occur if you have an insufficient jawbone. Poor oral care can also cause dental implants to fail. Other potential issues include:
- Gum disease – If you suffer from gum disease, you won’t be a candidate for dental implants. Getting gum disease after an implant can also be bad news. Do not leave any oral infections untreated.
- Medical conditions – Having diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis or another autoimmune disease could cause dental implant failure. It’s also important to note that certain over the counter and prescription medications may cause trouble. For example, heartburn medications and antidepressants can reduce your bone growth.
- Inexperienced surgeon – Finally, it’s critical to research your surgeon. Make sure they’ve been working with dental implants for years. Also, ask them about their success rate, along with how many implant surgeries they complete annually.
Signs of Dental Implant Issues
Dental implant failures don’t always happen right after the surgery. In fact, failure can occur anywhere from immediately to years later. Keep an eye out for any of the following indicators of dental implant trouble:
- Looseness
- Pus
- Swelling
- Bad breath
- Implant feels hollow
- Gum recession
- Bleeding
- Pain
- Difficulty chewing
- Sinusitis
- Fever
- Osteoporosis
- Allergic reactions
Anyone who experiences one or more of these signs should immediately report it to their dentist.
Should You Get Dental Implants?
Wow that you know the answer to “Are Dental Implants Permanent”, you may ask “Am I candidate for Dental Implants?” Dental implants are a wise choice for anyone who wants a permanent solution to their missing teeth. As long as you take proper care of your implants, you’ll never need to worry about your smile ever again!
Remember: Dental implants offer a convincing alternative to real teeth. People won’t know you have implants, and they’ll maintain their nice appearance if you practice good oral hygiene. You’ll also be able to eat, smile, talk and feel perfectly normal. Once you’ve recovered from the dental implant process, you’ll love the way they look and feel!