Teeth implants typically have a lifespan of 10-15 years, or even longer! That's right, with the right care, you can enjoy the benefits of dental implants for a significant amount of time.  They are a fantastic way of replacing missing teeth and taking good care of your implants is crucial for their longevity. One factor that can affect the lifespan of your implants is the condition of the crowns and abutments. These components are more prone to damage compared to the actual implants. Additionally, the position of the implant in your mouth can also impact its longevity. Rear implants tend to wear out faster than those in the front. So, proper oral hygiene is essential to prevent peri-implant disease and implant failure.

Key Takeaways about Teeth Implants Longevity

• Dental implants typically last for 10-15 years or longer with proper maintenance.
• Regular dental cleanings, proper oral hygiene practices, and using the right toothbrush and toothpaste can extend the lifespan of dental implants.
• Mouthguards are effective at protecting teeth from nocturnal bruxism and playing sport.
• The condition of crowns and abutments, the position of the implant in the mouth, and maintaining proper oral hygiene are important factors that can affect the longevity of dental implants.

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What factors affect implant failure?

The most important factor is the expertise and experience of your implant dentist. Your medical history, including any existing health conditions, can also impact the outcome.

Additionally, factors such as bone density, teeth grinding, and smoking can increase the risk of implant failure.

Understanding these factors and addressing them with your dentist can help ensure the longevity and success of your dental implants.

Does implant dentist experience affect implant failure?

Yes the experience of the implant dentist is crucial (see quote from the research paper below). In the UK, the only way you can independently verify that your implant dentist has the surgical experience to carry out your treatment is by looking on our regulator (General Dental Council) lists for specialists in periodontics, prosthodontics and oral surgery.

The data from the included publications suggest that surgical experience did not significantly affect implant failure when considering experience based on specialty but were significantly affected when considering experience based on the number of implants placed.

When you choose the best implant dentist, you're ensuring that your implants are placed with precision and skill. This increases the chances of a successful implantation and reduces the risk of implant failure. An experienced implant dentist has the knowledge and expertise to handle any complications that may arise during the implantation process. Complete the form below so that our implant specialist dentist can look after you.

Does Medical History Affect Endosseous Implant Failure?

Your medical history plays a significant role in determining the success or failure of endosseous implants. When considering dental implants as a permanent solution for missing teeth, it's important to take into account any pre-existing medical conditions you may have.

Here are some factors related to your medical history that can affect the longevity of your dental implants:

• Osteoporosis: This condition is associated with an increased risk of implant failure in each period.
• Alcohol use and smoking: These habits have been linked to a higher probability of implant failure.
• Depression: It has been identified as a risk factor for implant failure.
• Penicillin allergy: Having a reported penicillin allergy is associated with an increased infection rate and failure after dental implant placement.

It is crucial to discuss your medical history with your dentist to ensure the best possible outcome for your dental implants.

Is Endosseous Implant Failure Affected by Bone Density?

Your bone density plays a crucial role in the fusion and stability of endosseous implants. Insufficient bone density can lead to implant failure, so it's important to assess your bone density before undergoing implant treatment.

Dentists use a non-invasive x-rays to evaluate your bone density and determine the suitability of dental implants. If you have low bone density, it doesn't necessarily mean that dental implants aren't an option for you. Dentists can devise personalised treatment plans, such as bone grafting or sinus lifts, to increase bone density and ensure the success of your dental implants in the long term. Patients who have had radiotherapy to the jaw bones or those who are having intravenous bisphosphonates to treat osteoporosis or breast cancer may not be able to have dental implants.

Does grinding at night affect the success of teeth implants?

Nocturnal bruxism exerts extreme pressure on teeth implants, causing them to come loose and preventing proper fusion with the bone. It also applies extreme pressure on the natural teeth leading to tooth loss. This extreme pressure is called occlusal trauma and  the constant grinding can lead to fractures in the artificial tooth or loosen the abutment, further compromising the stability of the implant.

To prevent implant failure due to grinding, there are a few measures you can take:

• Custom-made mouthguard worn at night are very effective at reducing pressure on your teeth.
• Practice stress-relieving techniques to manage bruxism caused by anxiety or stress.
• Limit your consumption of caffeine and alcohol, as they can contribute to teeth grinding.
• Seek treatment for underlying sleep disorders, such as sleep apnoea, which can alleviate bruxism.
• Regularly visit your dentist to identify and monitor the effects of nocturnal bruxism.

Does cigarette smoking affect endosseous implant success?

Cigarette smoking significantly decreases teeth implant success rate because of the nicotine. Smoking isn't only detrimental to your overall health, but it also poses significant risks to the success of your dental implants.

Smoking affects the healing process by slowing it down and weakening your immune system. The chemicals in cigarettes hinder osseointegration of the implant with of the jawbone making it less likely for the implant to integrate properly.

Additionally, smoking accelerates the progression of gum disease, which can lead to peri-implantitis and eventual implant failure if left untreated.

Therefore, if you want dental implants to be a long-term solution for you, it's strongly recommended to quit smoking to improve the chances of success and maintain the health of your implants.

Does periodontal disease affect implant success?

Periodontal disease can be detrimental to the success of your teeth implants in both the early months of healing and after they've fully integrated with your jawbone.

Here are some factors that highlight the negative impact of gum disease on your dental implants:

• Delayed osseointegration: Gum disease can delay the process of osseointegration, where the implants fuse with your jawbone. This can weaken the stability of the implants and hinder their ability to support a bridge or denture.
• Infection and implant quality: While gum disease doesn't directly infect dental implants, it can affect their overall quality. Infection and loss of gum tissue around the implants can lead to fit and stability issues, impacting their long-term success.

Dental Implants vs. Other Tooth Replacement Options

Dental implants provide numerous advantages over other tooth-replacement options such as dental bridges and dentures.

Unlike dental bridges, which sit on top of the gums, dental implants replace tooth roots, providing a stronger foundation for the replacement of teeth. Implants can support individual false teeth or dental bridges, making them versatile for various cases.

Unlike dentures, dental implants offer greater stability and comfort for chewing, improving both appearance and functionality. Additionally, dental implants can last a lifetime with proper dental care, while bridges may need to be replaced every 10 years.

Although dental implants may have a higher initial cost, they're often more cost-effective in the long run due to their longevity.

Tips for Teeth Implant Longevity.

Tips for endosseous implant longevity include:

• Brush your teeth with electric toothbrush for two minutes twice a day. This helps remove plaque and bacteria from around your implants.
• Interdental brushing: Use interdental brushes to clean between your teeth and around the implants. This helps prevent gum disease and keeps your implants healthy.
• Regular dental cleanings: Schedule professional teeth hygienist vists every three months to remove any build-up that you may have missed during your daily oral care routine.
• Quit smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of implant complications and gum disease. Quitting smoking is crucial for the longevity of your implants and the health of your mouth.