Having a dental implant fitted can be a long process which takes time and money. If you are considering this procedure, you may be wondering how long do dental implants last? Before you undertake any dental work, it’s crucial to understand how long your tooth restoration will last, what is involved with a tooth implant procedure, and how to care and maintain your implant to prolong its longevity.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant replaces a tooth. When tooth loss occurs, your oral and overall health needs to fill the empty space.
If nothing is done to address the missing tooth, several common issues can arise: loss of gum tissue, shifting teeth, changes to bite, TMJ problems, weakening jawbone and loss of integrity of the dental arch.
A dental implant is a long term solution for tooth loss. The dentist places an artificial tooth root, shaped like a screw, into the gum. The implant fuses with the gum and jawbone through the process of osseointegration, creating a firm base. Following this, a connecting piece, called an abutment, attaches the dental implant to an artificial tooth, also known as a crown.
What Makes a Dental Implant Durable?
Several factors make dental implants durable. First of all, a dental implant is constructed from titanium—an incredibly strong metal. This material is biocompatible, hard-wearing, corrosive resistant and is a low risk for allergy sufferers. This biocompatibility vastly reduces the chances of rejection.
The artificial tooth root needs time to adhere and fuse with the bone through osseointegration. The crown is not attached before the titanium post is 100% secure in the bone and gum tissue, ensuring that it is capable of supporting the abutment and crown to perform like a regular tooth.
Allowing for adequate healing time improves the likelihood of a successful implant and ensures your implant will last a lifetime.
Factors Which Influence an Implant
Dental implants are a long term tooth restoration option, so they are designed to last, yet there are still factors which can influence its longevity.
The healing period after dental implant surgery is typically 3-6 months so the site can fully heal and your dentist can assess how your mouth is responding to the implant.
General health is another influencing factor for successful dental implant surgery. If a patient is coping with autoimmune disorders, osteoporosis, chronic diabetes, or cancer, the body typically has a heightened immune response. This means that the body may be unable to heal the implant site adequately, and may reject the artificial post as a foreign body.
Preexisting oral diseases can also jeopardise dental implants, especially gum disease. A dental implant needs a strong supporting structure for full adhesion.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
So, how long do dental implants last? Implants are designed to last a long time and are considered a permanent tooth replacement option. While there are factors which can influence its success and longevity, once an implant is fitted, it shouldn’t need much maintenance beyond regular brushing and flossing.
After successful osseointegration with the bone, the dental implant is capable of lasting a lifetime. This rests on the assumption that the patient has regular 6-month dental check-ups and good oral hygiene habits.
The crown lasts around 10-15 years before needing a replacement. The crown material will influence this because some materials are more durable than others. Crowns made from metal have the greatest durability.
Contact Us Now for High-Quality Dental Implants
If you require dental implants, contact the Glebe Dental Group at (02) 9159 6816 to arrange a consultation to discuss your candidacy for dental implant surgery. We offer outstanding dental care and a variety of tooth restoration options to help restore your smile.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
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