Medical experts suggest that a good dental implant can last more than 15 years. In fact, there are others who claim that a dental implant can function for up to 25 years and don’t be surprised if you hear claims of a smile that will last a lifetime.
These figures are not exaggerated but we must understand that these are the numbers for healthy implants of a person who undergoes regular dental checkups and maintains decent dental hygiene. To better understand what may cause a dental implant to deteriorate before its useful life, it’s important to understand the three main components that make a dental implant.
A dental implant consists of three parts:
- Implant: It is the actual titanium post, which is attached to the jawbone using a screw and acts as a root for the tooth crown.
- Abutment: An Abutment fastens the implant and holds the crown in place. In simple terms, the abutment joins the implant and the tooth.
- Crown: It is the ceramic tooth that looks and feels like the natural teeth. Among the three parts, a crown is the only part, which is clearly visible to us.
When it comes to complications, the crown is the most vulnerable part because it is directly exposed to outside elements and oral hygiene. Similarly, the abutment is also impacted in cases when the adjoining area or teeth are affected. The least affected part is the implant, which only deteriorates in extreme conditions or when it is disturbed. For a complete guide to dental implants see here:
In a nutshell, the total lifespan of the dental implant depends on multiple factors, which includes:
Oral Hygiene: If you regularly clean your teeth, use floss, and visit the dentist twice a year, the dental implant and its components will likely last more than 15 years and beyond.
Usage of Teeth: Exerting undue force or pressure on the crown can negatively affect the lifespan. Dental implants in front of the mouth are less susceptible to rust because they don’t play any part in the chewing of food. Chewing or biting hard items using the crown will wear it down quickly. In contrast, if the tooth is not exposed to undue pressure, it will last a long time.
The expertise of the Dentist: An expert dentist plays a critical role in establishing the lifespan of a dental implant. It’s an art to place the implant in the right place; therefore, the expertise of a dental professional is directly related to the longevity of the dental implant.
Infection: Complications such as infections around the implant area or nerve damage causing numbness can affect the implant. Sinus problems due to implants touching sinus cavities and resulting inflammation or bacterial infection are also related to the lifespan.
Lifestyle: According to Mayo Clinic, each dental implant is directly impacted by the overall health of the person. Excessive smoking and drinking are just one of the many causes of implant failure.
In a nutshell, taking care of your oral and dental hygiene can extend the lifetime of dental implants. If you’re careful and maintain proper oral hygiene, there is no doubt that the dental implant will last as long as the natural tooth decay. If you want a definite number, then it is safe to assume that a good dental implant lasts at least ten years and may last up to 25 years or a lifespan of a person under certain conditions.
For additional guidance and expert opinion, you may contact Dental Artistry Auckland. They are very reputable cosmetic dentistry and oral health care experts serving the Auckland and New Plymouth regions.
