9 September 2019When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants offer one of the best solutions for most patients. Implants will not only perform similarly to your natural teeth, but they will also help to maintain the natural shape of the jaw. They can also be a great long-term solution for patients who are looking to restore their smile.
As a clinic that provides many implant treatments, patients regularly ask how long they can expect their implants to last. Unfortunately, this is not a question that comes with a straight-forward answer. The lifespan of a dental implant or an implant-supported prosthesis will vary from one person to the next.
A variety of factors can impact the long-term viability of dental implants, so you would need to consider these factors when trying to find out the expected lifespan of your replacement teeth.
How Long Can Implants Last?
Dental implant surgery has a high success rate, and most patients can expect these replacement teeth to last for many years. If they are well taken care of, and the patient has no significant health issues that may affect the implants, they could last 25 years or more.
There is even significant research into the expected life of dental implants. In one study from 2019, the survival rate for the implants was at 98% after six years. This study has also found a strong association between implant failure during the six years and patients having poor oral hygiene practices or a lack of follow up care from the dentist.
Several studies have also looked into the survival rate of dental implants beyond ten years. At the ten-year mark, most studies place the survival rate for dental implants at between 90-95%.
Based on the available research, the overwhelming majority of patients can expect their dental implants to last well beyond ten years without having to worry about complications. Furthermore, the possibility of failure can be substantially reduced by maintaining sound oral hygiene practices and visiting your dentist for regular checkups.
Factors That Increase The Risk Of Early Failure
Dental implants have been through many years of development, and are composed of durable materials such as titanium. An implant surgeon will also evaluate your dental health before the surgery, allowing you to find out if you would be at high risk for early failure.
Several factors can impact the lifespan of a dental implant. One is the volume of bone at the site of the implant. If there has been considerable bone loss or a lack of density at the implant location, this can affect the long-term outcome for the patient.
The skill of the implant surgeon can also make a difference. If the implant is not well-placed, it might fail sooner than an implant in the ideal position. Additionally, poor placement can also impact the ability of the implant to integrate with the bone, and this can increase the risk of early failure.
How To Avoid Implant Failure
As mentioned earlier, poor oral hygiene can also affect the lifespan of dental implants. Just like with natural teeth, the patient needs to brush and floss regularly. If you do not care for the implants properly, the surrounding tissue can get infected, and this could contribute to early failure.
You should also continue to visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. Doing so can make a notable difference when maintaining dental implants, as it can help you to avoid issues that would otherwise lead to implant failure.
Furthermore, each checkup is a chance to spot any small issues early on and easily restore your implants.
Even if the dental implant is in good condition, some patients may experience problems with a crown or bridge. They can suffer damage as a result of a significant impact. In some cases, this can also result from exerting too much biting force on objects that may be too hard. When this type of damage occurs, the implant can still function, but the crown or bridge will need replacing.
As you can see, there is no textbook answer for the lifespan of dental implants. Several factors come into play. That said, they are a beneficial solution for patients that are missing teeth. They outperform other treatments when it comes to function, and they can easily last well over ten years if the patient cares for them properly. Barring any unforeseen health issues or traumatic injuries, a dental implant could potentially last beyond 25 years as long as they receive the care they need.
Want To Find Out More?
If you’d like to find out more about why dental implants can potentially fail, you can watch our video below.
At Brighton Implant Clinic, we provide several dental implant treatments and cosmetic restorations. We have been placing dental implants since 2009. Our staff promise to provide you with first-class dentistry and only the best in patient care. Contact Brighton Implant Clinic to schedule a consultation today.