How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants in Auburn, WA, are long-term tooth replacements that look and function like your natural teeth. Maintaining dental implants is similar to natural teeth.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants can last as long as possible, depending on maintenance. A dental implant has three parts – the screw, abutment, and artificial teeth. The screw work as the tooth root, while the artificial teeth are dental crowns. Additionally, the screw can last a lifetime, while the crowns can last between 10 and 15 years.
Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, visiting a dentist for checkups every six months can extend the crown’s life beyond 15 years. Another factor that affects the life of a dental implant is its location. Implants in the mouth rear chew more actively; therefore, they are prone to wearing out faster than the implants in the front teeth.
Do Dental Implants Fail?
Yes. Dental implants can fail. Nevertheless, the failure is due to implant misuse and preexisting medical conditions. Factors contributing to dental implant failure include;
Insufficient Care
Since dental implants in Auburn, WA, function like natural teeth, they need proper oral hygiene to maintain them. Plaque and tartar accumulation can cause gum disease, damaging the gums and bone. Plaque buildup around an implant can cause peri-implant disease. Although the early stage of the disease is reversible, leaving it untreated can lead to implant failure.
Proper oral hygiene tips for maintaining your dental implants include:
- Brushing and flossing daily.
- Limiting sugary food and drinks.
- Visiting the dental office near you every six months.
Insufficient Bone
A dental implant needs to fuse with the jawbone, and implants may fail if the jawbone is not enough to secure it in place. Although before getting an implant, you have to undergo a series of examinations for the dentist to confirm if you have enough bone. If you don’t have enough jawbone, you may consider getting dentures in Auburn, WA.
In cases where a patient still wants a dental implant, a bone graft surgery can reinforce the jaw bone. Nevertheless, bone loss over time destabilizes the implant. Peri-implant disease, osteoporosis, and certain medical conditions impact bone health.
Inexperienced Dental Surgeon
An inexperienced surgeon can also contribute to implant failure. The dental implant procedure requires skill, attention to detail, and carefulness. An inexperienced surgeon may design implants poorly, place implants improperly, attach a crown before the implant is stable, or cause tissue damage during implant placement. These mistakes lead to implant failure. Fortunately, dentists at Sunrise Dental of Auburn are experienced in carrying out dental procedures, especially dental implants.
Smoking
Dental implants in Auburn, WA, are most likely to fail if people smoke, and smoking interferes with blood flow, interfering with the implant and healing process. Furthermore, smoking increases the risk of developing gum disease.
Aging
Healing is much slower in older adults. In addition, older adults may have underlying medical conditions, causing dental implant failure.
Medications
Medications that cause implant failure include immunosuppressive drugs, radiation therapy, and blood-thinning medications.
Teeth Grinding
Grinding your teeth causes tiny implant movements, causing a fracture to the screw or crown.
Medical Conditions
Medical conditions associated with dental implant failure include diabetes, weak immune system, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disorders, including congestive heart failure and high blood pressure.
Conclusion
Dental implants are natural-looking and long-term tooth replacement options like dentures in Auburn, WA. Proper maintenance of implants can extend their lifespan. Although dental implants have a success rate of 98%, sometimes they fail. If your implant moves or you feel pain, especially when chewing, your implant may have failed.
Other symptoms of failed implants include bleeding, red, or receding gums. You should visit a dental office near you immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.