How Long Do Dental Implants Last?As long as you maintain good oral hygiene, your dental implants can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years. It is worth noting that there is always a high risk of crown damage. This is because the crown is exposed to wear and tear due to the constant chewing forces. On average, patients will require a crown replacement every 10 to 15 years. Titanium or zirconium are popular dental implant materials due to their incredibly high strength and durability. Dental implant placement may also play a role in longevity. Implants that are placed in the rear side of the mouth cavity will be subjected to more wear and tear by virtue of exerting more biting force. By contrast, implants on the front of the mouth cavity may last longer since they aren’t used to apply much biting force. Factors That Determine Dental Implant LongevityThere are a number of factors that determine the longevity, function, and appearance of your dental implants. Oral HygieneOral hygiene plays an important role in the longevity of your dental implants. Practice good dental hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing the teeth to avoid implant failure. It is worth noting that the implant itself is not susceptible to decay; however, you need to preserve your gum health that is responsible for supporting it. SmokingLifestyle factors such as smoking can devastate your oral health and lead to dental implant failure. Nicotine restricts blood flow to the gums, which can reduce the healing process. This means that your dental implants may never properly fuse with the jawbone. Medical ConditionsDental implants can fail if the patient develops gum disease. One such culprit is peri-implantitis, a type of inflammation that occurs near the implant and gum tissue. This can lead to bone loss and implant failure. Gum infection is the leading cause of dental implant failure. Regular appointments with your dentist at Alexandra Garcia, DDS, MS will help you screen for these diseases early on so you have a better chance of protecting your dental implants. Teeth GrindingTeeth grinding exerts unnecessary wear and tear on your dental implants, leading to implant failure. Patients with bruxism may subconsciously clench their teeth tightly. Over time, this loosens the screw or damages the crown. Choose the Right PractitionerIt is important to work with experienced dentists who are skilled at dental implants. Lack of planning and incorrect implant placement can lead to implant failure. Alexandra Garcia, DDS, MS has leading dentists who know the ins and outs of dental implant surgery, including proper placement, planning, and post-op treatment. MedicationsHigh dosage medications may have an adverse impact on dental health. Patients who are on blood thinning medications, antibiotics, and radiation therapy have a higher risk of dental implant failure. Some of these medications lead to the loss of bone in the jaw. Book a consultation with our expert dentists Dr. Garcia for more detailed instructions on increasing the longevity of your dental implants. Call us today at (346) 250-2930 to schedule a consultation! |
|
|
 Office hoursMon-Thur 8:00am-5:00pm Fri 8:00am-1:00pm |
