Lifespan of a Dental Implant
Dental implants provide sufficient anchorage for the replacement of one or more teeth. They also help restore the appearance, ease, and functionality of natural teeth.
A dental implant is three parts. The part that most people think of is the part that replaces the root of a natural tooth, but that is only the base. A foundation is useless without the house on top. It should therefore be remembered that a dental implant consists of three parts:
* Implant – This is the artificial root that is implanted into your jaw. It takes the place of the root in a natural tooth. Once implanted into your jaw, it becomes part of your jawbone eventually, as bone grows around the implant.
* Pillars - The pillar is a connector usually made of an alloy such as gold or silver, and is connected to the implant AND the prosthesis that will be placed on the implant.
* Prosthesis- The prosthesis is what you actually see in the mouth; it is the false tooth that is placed on the implant that will restore your smile.
But do these have a lifespan? Once the implants have been placed, if the procedure went well, the implants are properly maintained and the patient follows the recommendations of his dental implant specialist, dental implants can have a very long lifespan. Most manufacturers set the lifespan of their implants between 10 and 15 years, but in practice it is found that the lifespan can be much longer. Without any particular problem, the implants can thus normally remain in place throughout the patient's life.
Does the lifespan of a dental implant vary?
Just like your natural teeth, the lifespan of dental implants depends on how well you care for your oral health. The more you take care of your implants, the more you will be able to preserve and maintain them. If your dental and medical condition is good and you maintain your oral health, your implants will last over time.
So, when asked how long something will last, most people look for a number of years. The dental implant itself could last you a lifetime in many cases, but this is a big caveat, it depends on the compliance of the patient. Some patients are better candidates than others. There are some things right off the bat that we know that a patient is likely to have their longevity potentially reduced. Here are some things that I consider likely to reduce the longevity of a dental implant:
* If a patient is a smoker
* If the patient has uncontrolled diabetes or an autoimmune disease in which their immune system is over-responsive
* Medicines for osteoporosis, such as bisphosphonates, or for autoimmune diseases, such as methotraxate.
* If a patient cannot maintain proper hygiene by brushing their teeth and flossing daily
How to ensure the longevity of implants?
Although implants can stay in place for a long time, it is important to consider the factors that can influence their longevity. Here are a few.
Good oral hygiene
Among the good habits to take after having a dental implant, oral hygiene is inevitably the factor that ends up at the top of the list. To ensure the longevity of a dental implant, hygiene is essential. By brushing your teeth and flossing twice a day and visiting your dentist at least twice a year, you will be able to preserve your implant for longer.
Inflammation of the gum tissue
To secure the dental implant, a hole is drilled in the jawbone, which is then protected by the gum tissue. One of the biggest risks is inflammation of the gum tissue, which can cause it to retract. Dental plaque and bacteria will start to build up at the bottom of the crown, which can lead to infection. This infection will spread quickly to the bone, which will gradually disappear, causing the implant to lose its stability, which may even eventually come off. Ensuring good oral hygiene will help make sure you don’t have inflammation of the gum tissue and will help the longevity of your implant.
Placement of dental implants
Placing dental implants requires a deep understanding of the function and aesthetics of the mouth, teeth, jaws and face. By opting for the care of professionals in oral and maxillofacial surgery, the surgical phase of the treatment will be well executed and your dental implants will be well installed.
Changes to your general health
Dental implant lifespans can be affected by changes to your general physical health. If you develop chronic diseases, such as diabetes, you will need to inform your dentist as soon as possible.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle is also an important factor to take into account. If your oral health is neglected, implants could have a shorter lifespan.
To ensure the longevity of dental implants, it helps to avoid certain habits that affect your health in other ways as well. For example, smoking is a very important risk factor in patients who wear dental implants. Smoking significantly increases the risk of gum retraction. It is also important to consume nutritious foods and maintain a generally healthy lifestyle, which not only will benefit your overall health, but that of your implant.
From the time that the implants are placed in your jaw, it is important to begin and maintain good oral hygiene habits. Teeth must be brushed properly and conscientiously, while the surrounding area of the implant is cleaned with an extra soft surgical toothbrush. Then, once the wound has healed, the same strict rules should be applied to all teeth. This regular brushing can be supplemented by the use of dental floss and an antibacterial rinsing solution.
How to choose a dental professional for the placement of implants?
Your dentist is obviously the best person to give you advice and go through the different treatment techniques with you.
Implant treatment is a fine example of teamwork where the patient occupies a central position and where each practitioner brings his or her expertise (general dentist, specialist in periodontology, oral surgeon and the dental laboratory). Some general dentists take care of both the placement of the implants and the prosthetic work (the superstructure). If your dentist only places the superstructure, he / she will recommend a colleague for the surgical part of the treatment.