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How Long Do Dental Implants Last

Dental implants are a permanent and popular solution for missing teeth.

When the treatment is done correctly, dental implants can last a lifetime, helping you to achieve a natural-looking smile and giving you confidence and comfort for years to come. 

Whilst dental implants are a great option for missing teeth, are they the best solution? And, how long do dental implants actually last?

how long do dental implants last implantology

How long do dental implants last (UK)? 

Here at Smile Stories, our dental implants have been designed as a permanent solution to missing teeth and we place them to outlive you, depending on the maintenance and care of your general oral health and hygiene.

You must be committed to looking after them like you’d look after a piece of jewellery. 

Why do dental implants last so long?

Dental implants are made from a titanium ‘root’ which is placed into the jawbone to mimic the function of a natural tooth root.

Titanium is a biocompatible material, meaning it is able to fuse with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration which usually takes a few months.

Once the bone has formed around the titanium root, it offers a secure and robust base for the ceramic crown to sit and could last as long as a natural tooth with the right care. 

Does the dental crown last as long as the implant?

The second part of the dental implant procedure involves attaching the abutment and crown to the fully healed titanium root. The crown is made from porcelain, a durable material that resembles natural tooth enamel which can be treated the same as a natural tooth.

Whereas the titanium implant root is a permanent fixture in your jawbone, the crown is open to the wet, sticky environment of your mouth so is prone to more general wear and tear, if not looked after like you would a tooth.

From our perspective, we always screw the crowns in and don’t rely on glue which is an important thing to ask you implant dentist. This means most people do not need to have crown replacements in their lifetime.

What impacts the length of time dental implants last?

Lifestyle

Lifestyle choices such as smoking and drinking can have a significant impact on the longevity of your dental implants, and in particular, smoking can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of infection. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, which reduces the amount of oxygen and nutrients that reach the implant site, meaning the implant may not heal as quickly or as well as it would in a non-smoker.

Smoking can lead to the buildup of plaque and tartar around the implant which can irritate the gums and make them more susceptible to infection. If an infection does occur, it can damage the implant and may even need to be replaced or removed.

Heavy drinking can also have a negative impact on dental implants. Alcohol can dry out the mouth, which can make it more difficult to keep the area clean and can increase the risk of infection.

Oral health 

To keep your dental implants healthy and to ensure they last for years to come, you will need to maintain good oral hygiene. This means brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily and using a gum pocket brush. You should also see your dentist and hygienist for regular checkups and deep cleans to keep your dental implants and natural teeth in top condition.

Damage to the dental implants

Whilst dental implants are a permanent treatment option for missing teeth, the ceramic crowns that are placed on top are susceptible to cracking or other damage, just like any other natural teeth.

There are a few reasons why this might happen, such as chewing things you shouldn’t like pens or finger nails or obtaining an injury to your face, but it is crucial that you get in touch with your dentist to get it checked and repaired as soon as possible. 

Pre-existing medical conditions

Certain medical conditions have the potential to impact the lifespan of dental implants. For example, diabetes and a weakened immune system can make you more susceptible to infections, which can lead to the failure of the implant.

Any medical condition that impacts the body’s ability to heal can slow down the healing process after dental implant surgery, which could increase the risk of infection and the failure of the implant.

If you have any medical conditions, it is important to talk to your dentist before getting dental implants. They can help you understand how your condition may affect your treatment and make recommendations for how to reduce your risk of complications.

Maintaining dental implants: How to look after dental implants

To maximise the lifespan of your dental implants, you should take care of them just like you would your natural teeth. This means brushing at least twice a day for two minutes, flossing daily, using a gum pocket brush and visiting your both your dentist and hygienist for regular checks and maintenance. 

Ultimately, 90% of the maintenance is done by you at home with good oral hygiene habits. Brushing and flossing help to remove harmful plaque bacteria from your teeth as well as dental implants, which is crucial to ensuring your natural teeth and implants last as long as possible. Perfect oral hygiene will ensure your dental implants outlive you. 

After all, the same plaque (the sticky substance that forms on your teeth) could have lead to decay and gum disease which caused tooth loss in the first place. 

At your regular dental health checks, your dentist will ensure that your implants are healthy and that there are no signs of problems or damage. 

The hygienist can also maintain your implants and remove any plaque or tartar that you won’t see underneath your gums. 

It’s all about proactive, preventative teamwork.  

Book a Free Consutlation

Have a space in your mouth that’s affecting your eating or smiling confidence?

Our implant dentists in Bournemouth offer a handful of complimentary online or in-person consultation each month. They’re no obligation and will provide you with all of the information you need to make the right choice about this life-changing treatment.

Just hit book now to reserve your space.