Having a missing tooth can significantly impact the aesthetics of your smile. Also, it can impact your overall oral health. The gap between your surrounding teeth can make them shift, resulting in alignment issues. To prevent this, you need durable dental implants that will last a lifetime.
We know that dental implants are a long-lasting solution. However, in a few instances, the implants might need replacement. In this blog, we will learn how long dental implants can last and when they require replacement. So, let’s begin!
Dental Implants and Their Types
Dental implants are used to replace a missing tooth with titanium posts. These posts are placed into your jawbone to create a stable base for your replacement. It is a permanent solution for those who are looking for natural-looking tooth replacement.
Dental implants are of different types, including:
- Single Tooth Implant: A single missing tooth is replaced with a crown implant.
- Implant Bridge: When you have two or more missing teeth, a custom implant is placed with the support of a bridge.
- Implant-Supported Denture: Removable dentures are snapped onto the implants for added stability.
- Full Arch Implants: It is a permanent solution for an entire row of teeth.
How Long Can Implants Last?
Dental implants are permanent. They are long-lasting because the implants are directly planted into the jawbone. It serves as an artificial tooth root, giving a solid foundation to the rest of the procedure.
Factors Influencing the Longevity of Dental Implants
Although implants are for a lifetime, here are some factors that can influence the longevity of dental implants:
Insufficient Care:
When a person does not take care of their oral health, it can negatively affect their implants as much as their natural teeth. Formation of plaque can lead to gum disease, which causes damage to your jawbone.
Not Enough Jawbone:
When the bone is insufficient, individuals might have to undergo procedures such as bone grafting or sinus lifting before the implant procedure.
Smoking:
The success rate of your dental implant starts to deteriorate if you smoke. Smoking can interfere with the blood flow and negatively impact the healing process.
Teeth Grinding:
A patient who has a habit of grinding their teeth can fracture their implant. The repeated motion can cause trauma to the implant and damage the crown.
Signs Your Implant Needs Replacement
Here are some key signs that indicate your implant requires a replacement:
- Wear and Tear – Even if the implant post is still secure, your crown might need replacement due to wear and tear.
- Peri-Implantitis – When a gum disease starts to affect the area near your implant post, it can lead to implant failure.
- Broken Fixtures – If the implant fixture becomes loose or starts to break, it requires replacement.
Final Thoughts
Dental implants are long-lasting, but due to some factors, they might require early replacement. To make sure your dental implants stay as healthy as the rest of your teeth, you need to maintain good oral hygiene and regularly visit a dental expert.
At Safari Family Dental & Orthodontics, we offer you comprehensive dental treatments. Our experts will tailor treatment according to your dental needs and goals. Get in touch with us today and let our experts make a difference for you and your smile!