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Children’s Dentist A Dental implant is a small metal post surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as an anchor or solid foundation for an artificial tooth. It is one of the popular tooth replacement options for missing or damaged teeth but involves an invasive procedure. While it is not a permanent solution, the lifespan of dental implant prostheses is long but can depend on several factors.
This article will look into these things in more detail.
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How Long Can A Dental Implant Last?
On average, a dental implant or teeth implant can last up to 15 years, but their lifespan can extend to 25 years or more if you take care of them properly.
Factors That Can Shorten Or Extend A Dental Implant’s Life
Several things impact the lifespan of dental implants, including:
- The material of the teeth implant
Dental implants can be made from titanium or zirconia. The most common is titanium because they are more durable. However, the latter is more biocompatible since it does not contain metal. - The design of the implant
The design of a teeth implant can also affect its lifespan as some are more likely to fail than others. For instance, implants not placed deep enough in the jawbone are more likely to fail. - Oral hygiene
Oral hygiene is important for your mouth’s overall health, including dental implants. If you fail to brush or floss regularly, you are more likely to develop gum disease, which can lead to the loss of your dental implants. Also, visiting your dentist at least every six months can help extend your implant’s lifespan as they can spot any potential problems early on. - Your lifestyle
Your lifestyle choices can also affect the lifespan of your dental implants. For instance, smoking increases your risk of developing gum disease, which can lead to implant failure. - Your habits
Certain habits, such as clenching or grinding your teeth, can put unnecessary stress on your dental implants that may cause them to fail. In addition, biting on hard objects and using your teeth as tools can damage your implants. - Your medical condition
Certain health conditions can lower the success rate of implants. Your dentist will verify that you have no medical condition that can impact your implant in the beginning. This is because certain medical conditions can increase the risk of complications after implant surgery.
How Do You Care For A Dental Implant?
You play a big part in keeping the health of your implants. The following are some of the measures you can take:
- Practice good oral hygiene habits
This includes brushing your teeth at least twice daily, flossing daily, and using an interdental brush. Like how you normally clean your natural teeth, brushing for at least two minutes is always the right practice. Use abrasive-free toothpaste to avoid damaging the implant. Good oral habits can also help keep your gums healthy, which is vital in maintaining dental implants. - See your dentist regularly
Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are essential to help maintain the health of your implants. Your dentist will clean your teeth and check for any signs of problems so they can resolve them early on before they become bigger concerns. - Consider quitting smoking
Smoking can cause your dental implants to fail by restricting blood flow and oxygen levels, which help in the healing process. They can also increase the risk of gum disease and discolour and stain your teeth. If you smoke, quitting is recommended for your oral health. If you can’t, limit smoking to no more than one cigarette a day. - Limit your alcohol intake
Drinking too much alcohol right after your surgery can interfere with healing. It is also a contributor to oral health issues such as the dry mouth and gum disease. Drink in moderation and always brush your teeth afterwards. - Be careful with what you eat
Avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods that can damage your dental implants. Also, cut down on sugary and acidic foods, as they can cause decay to your natural teeth. - Avoid habits that can damage your implants
Practices such as clenching or grinding your teeth can damage your implants. If you have these habits, consider wearing a protective night guard or talk to your dentist about some effective remedies.
When Can One Resume Regular Activity After Oral Surgery?
One of the most common questions patients ask is when they can resume regular activity after oral surgery. Unfortunately, the answer is not simple, as dental implant recovery time can vary depending on many factors, including the extent of the surgery.
In general, however, we recommend that patients take it easy for at least 24 hours after surgery to avoid dislodging the blood clot. This means avoiding strenuous activity, such as exercise, and instead focusing on rest and relaxation.
After the initial 24 hours have passed, patients can gradually increase their activity level. However, avoiding activities that could put undue stress on the surgical site is still important.
Are Dental Implants Replaceable?
Fortunately, dental implants can be replaced, and the process is similar to how the original implants were placed. The first step is to have a consultation with your dentist to find out why a dental implant failure occurred and to develop a treatment plan. They will also check the abutment teeth to see if they need to be replaced as well. If both your implants and abutment teeth need to be changed, your dentist may recommend a custom fit for them.
Final Thoughts
Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and improve your smile and quality of life. They are durable and can last for more than two decades with proper care. However, some factors can affect their health, shortening their lifespan. These include your oral hygiene habits, lifestyle choices, and the type of implant you have. If you take care of your dental implants and see your dentist regularly, you can help extend their lifespan.
While dental implants are a great option for tooth replacement, they’re not for everybody. If you plan on getting a dental implant procedure, call us to book a consultation.
Karrinyup Dental Centre is a modern dental clinic with a team of dentists with many years of experience performing dental implant procedures. They are knowledgeable and take their time to let you understand the process, including what to expect, the benefits, risks, and more. They will also ask you if you have a medical condition that would make you ineligible for the procedure. If you decide to continue with the procedure, they will develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of the dental implant procedure differs from patient to patient. It can be based on your dentist, location, how many implants you need, the type of implant you prefer, your dental insurance, and other additional procedures necessary, such as bone grafting and sinus lifts.
On average, you can pay as much as $3,000 to $5,500 per tooth. According to the 2020 Australian national dental fee survey, a single implant in the country can cost up to $5,514. These price ranges can go lower or higher, so ask your dentist for a more accurate estimate.
The components include the implant screw or post, the abutment, and the replacement teeth. This can be a dental crown, a dental bridge or a denture. Your dentist will place the titanium screw into your jawbone, acting as the new tooth root. They will then place the abutment on top of the post, connecting the implant and the artificial tooth.
If a dental implant falls out, call your dentist immediately. In the meantime, rinse the implant with warm water and gently clean it with a toothbrush. Once you have rinsed and cleaned the implant, put it in a cup of milk or saline solution until you can see your dentist.
In the meantime, try to eat soft foods and avoid putting pressure on the affected area. Do not try to reinsert the implant yourself, as it could complicate the situation.
When teeth are lost, the jaw bone naturally deteriorates over time because it is no longer receiving stimulation from the tooth roots. Dental implants mimic the root structure of natural teeth and help prevent jaw bone loss by providing stimulation to the bone. However, it is important to properly care for the implant to maximise its lifespan and prevent bone loss around it.
