Dental implants indeed are one of the most effective remedies that contemporary society can provide for the loss of teeth. They are made to appear, feel and function like natural teeth and can be considered as a strong solution to conventional dentures or bridges. But, how much realistically can one really hope for the longevity of dental implants? Welcome to our blog where we will explore the life span of dental implants, the factors affecting their life span and how you can ensure that you get the best out of your dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are replacement tooth roots, they are made from biocompatible materials such as titanium. It is implanted into the jawbone and the procedure through which it becomes a part of the jawbone is called osseointegration. Once they are integrated they are used as support for the placing of prosthodontic restorations such as crowns, bridges or dentures.
Average Wearing out Time of Dental Implants
Generally, dental implants have a rather long service life, which ranges from 15 to 25 years, while some of them can serve even longer. The duration of the implants depends on the type of implant utilised, the expertise of the dental practitioner, and the patient’s compliance to personal oral hygiene measures.
Factors that Influence the Life Expectancy of Dental Implants.
Implant Quality and Material
Material: The common types of dental implants include titanium and zirconia and both of which are strong as well as biocompatible. It should be noted that the use of high-quality materials is one of the factors which influence the implant’s performance.
Manufacturer: High-quality manufacturers and new implant designs are likely to provide better long-term results.
Placement and Procedure
Surgical Skill: The results of the implant surgery would also depend with the knowledge of the dental surgeon. For implant to be integrated into the bone, it has to be placed in a healthy jaw bone in a correct manner.
Bone Quality: Proper density and volume of the bone are vital in providing sustainability for the implant. In case where there is bone loss, other treatments such as bone grafting may be done.
Oral Hygiene and Maintenance
Daily Care: Natural teeth need to be cleaned on a regular basis and so do the dental implants. Regular oral hygiene can also assist in avoiding various infections and problems that may pose a danger to the implant’s life.
Professional Cleaning: Diet control and regular dental checkups and cleanings by a dentist are important in order to watch the state of the implants and the tissue.
Lifestyle and Health Factors
Smoking: Smokers are likely to have poor wound healing and this could lead to implant loss. Smoking cessation or reducing the intake of tobacco will greatly increase the life expectancy of dental implants.
Medical Conditions: Some diseases like diabetes that has not been well managed as well as autoimmune diseases may hinder the success of implants. These conditions must be controlled with the assistance of a healthcare provider.
Diet and Habits
Diet: A balanced diet is beneficial for the entire body including the oral cavity and the implants. It is recommended that one should not consume hard or sticky foods that may harm the implants or the prosthetics that are fixed on them.
Bruxism: If you are a grinder, or clencher, this can be very hard on the implants that have been placed in your mouth. It can be recommended that a night guard can be useful to prevent damage to the implants due to bruxism.
Signs of Potential Issues
All the same, the dental implants are not without their problems even though they are quite durable. Here are some signs that might indicate an issue:Here are some signs that might indicate an issue.
Gum Inflammation: Some of the symptoms that may indicate gum disease or infection around the implant area include; swollen or bleeding implant site for a long time.
Pain or Discomfort: Some level of discomfort is expected after the procedure, but if pain persists, then there could be problems.
Implant Mobility: It is recommended that implants are well fixed. This is why you have to make sure you visit your dentist if you feel that there is any looseness.
How to increase how long how dental implants last
Follow Post-Operative Instructions: It is very important to follow all of the postoperative instructions given to you by your dentist in order to ensure optimal healing and a successful result from the implant.
Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene: To prevent infection and complications, one should brush the teeth, floss, and rinse with the antibacterial mouthwash.
Attend Regular Dental Check-Ups: Visits to the dentist to get your implants cleaned and checked will also help in the detection of any problems that may be arising.
Address Any Health Issues: Some lifestyle changes that will help in maintaining a healthy oral environment include observing all recommended treatments for diseases that affect dental implant success such as smoking.
Dental implants are a very reliable and long lasting dental service in replacement of missing teeth, with the ability to last for 15 to 25 years or even more if proper maintenance is observed. This will enable one to understand aspects that determine the lifespan of implants including the quality of the implants, their positioning, how clean the mouth is, and other habits that are related to lifestyle. If you maintain a proper oral hygiene, visit your dentist for checkup and follow up on any issues, then your dental implants would be a perfect asset to you for the remaining years of your life.
