Dental implants are an increasingly popular treatment used to replace missing teeth. With proper care, they can last a lifetime, making them one of the most effective and long-lasting tooth replacement options available. Learn more about how long a dental implant typically lasts, what factors can affect its longevity and ways to ensure that your dental implant lasts as long as possible.
Dental implants: what are they?
Dental implants are small, screw-like devices made of titanium that are surgically placed into the jawbone in order to replace a missing tooth. They act as artificial roots and can be used to support bridges, dentures, or even a single crown. Implants have been successfully used for decades and are considered one of the most successful forms of tooth replacement available. A dental implant comprises three separate parts: the implant itself, an abutment, and a crown.
The implant
The implant is the titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone to act as an artificial root. This implant has impressive durability and can last for many years with proper care and maintenance.
The abutment
The second component of a dental implant is the abutment. This piece connects the implant to the crown, or prosthetic tooth, which sits on top of the gums. It is mostly made of the same material as the implant. The abutment stabilises the crown and keeps it securely connected to the implant.
The crown
The third component of a tooth implant is the dental crown, which is a prosthetic tooth designed to look like an actual tooth that sits on top of the gums. Crowns come in many materials. The most commonly used are porcelain and ceramic with composite resins or even gold alloy used in rare cases. The crowns are custom-made to match the colour and shape of your natural teeth in order to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing result.
Are dental implants advisable for everyone?
Factors such as poor dental hygiene habits, smoking, low jaw bone density and gum disease can affect the success of dental implant surgery. Additionally, age and medical history can also play a role in determining if implants are right for you in the first place. People with diabetes, blood disorders or heart conditions may not be the best candidates for dental implants. Our qualified, highly-experienced dentist will discuss all these with you and come up with a customised plan to improve your oral health and take measures such as a bone graft to improve your bone tissue at the implant placement site.
Types of tooth implants
Depending on your oral health, jaw bone density and other factors, our top-rated dentist at Available Dental Care may choose one of the following types of implants:
Endosteal implants
Endosteal implants are one of the most common types of teeth implants used to replace missing natural teeth. These teeth implants are surgically placed directly into the jawbone to provide a stable, long-lasting foundation for a prosthetic crown or bridge. All implants are customised for the patient, depending on the shape and size of the missing tooth, the number of teeth being replaced as well as the size and shape of your jawbone. The implant is made from titanium which has been designed to fuse with bone tissue over time, creating a strong bond between the two materials that can last for years with proper care. Endosteal implants typically require several months of healing before they can be fitted with prosthetic teeth or dental bridges. During this period, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene habits in order to ensure optimal results after surgery.
Subperiosteal implants
Subperiosteal implants are used in cases when the jawbone is too shallow or weak to support an endosteal implant. In this type of dental implant, a metal frame is surgically attached directly to the patient’s jawbone, just under the gum tissue and left to heal for several weeks. After healing, the frame acts as a strong foundation for the prosthetic teeth.
Zygomatic implants
Zygomatic implants too are chosen when a patient’s jawbone cannot support and implant. Specifically, the the upper jaw bone. They involve the insertion of two titanium posts that extend from the jawbone to the zygoma, or cheekbone, to act as the support for prosthetic teeth. Zygomatic implants offer greater stability and resistance than traditional implants, so they are often recommended for people with compromised jawbone density. However, due to the complexity of the procedure, zygomatic implants require more time and a higher level of skill from the dental practioner.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are made with materials that can last a lifetime when they are taken care of properly. On average, with proper maintenance and check-ups, dental implants can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, but in the right conditions, they can last even longer. The longevity of a dental implant is determined by several factors, such as the quality of the implant, the skill of the dentist who performed the procedure and how well you take care of your oral health. Click here for more information.
Factors that affect the longevity of dental implants
While dental implants can last for more than a decade with minimal care, there are a few factors that affect the longevity of dental implants, and it is important to be aware of them in order to ensure your implant lasts as long as possible.
Skill of the dentist
The first factor that affects the longevity of a dental implant is the skill and expertise of the clinician who places it. Dental implants require precision and accuracy, so it’s important to choose a qualified dentist with experience in this procedure.
Dental hygiene
The second factor is your oral hygiene habits. Regular brushing and flossing, combined with routine dental check-ups, will help ensure that your implant stays healthy for years to come.
Quality of implants
Finally, the quality of the implant itself is an important factor in how long it will last. High-quality implants are made with strong and durable materials like titanium, zirconiu, porcelain or ceramic which can withstand everyday wear and tear. At Available Dental Care, we use reliable and reputable brands, modern machinery and the latest techniques in oral surgery to ensure your implant lasts as long as possible.
Tips for making dental implants last
In order to ensure that your dental implants last as long as possible, there are certain steps you can take to maximise their longevity. Maintaining good oral hygiene is the key to keeping your implants healthy and avoiding any problems related to them.
Brush and floss regularly
Visit your dentist regularly
It is important to visit your dentist every 6 months for routine check-ups so that any problems can be spotted early on and treated promptly.
Avoid smoking
Smoking weakens the jawbone and can also stain your teeth, so it’s important to quit if you want to keep your implant looking healthy for years to come.
Eat a balanced diet
Eating a healthy and balanced diet ensures that your body has all the necessary vitamins and minerals it needs to keep your implant healthy.
Benefits of dental implants
Dental implants are increasingly becoming a popular choice for those looking to replace missing teeth. They offer several advantages over other tooth replacement options, including long-term stability and durability, improved oral health, and a more aesthetically pleasing result. Some advantage of dental implants are
Durability
The materials dental implants are made of are designed to last a lifetime if they are taken care of properly. With proper maintenance, they can last anywhere from 10-15 years and even longer in the right conditions.
Stability
Implants are embedded into the jawbone which provides greater stability than other forms of tooth replacement such as dentures or bridges.
Improved oral health
Dental implants help to preserve healthy jawbone and prevent further deterioration of the surrounding teeth. They fill gaps where bacteria can grow, reducing the risk of dental decay.
Improved aesthetics
Get the perfect smile with high quality, affordable dental implants
A dental implant procedure at Available Dental Care is the perfect solution for people who have lost teeth due to an accident, injury or disease. 