In this article, we'll explore what dental implants are, how long they last, what factors affect their lifespan, and how to extend their lifespan. Except for certain medical conditions, dental implants are typically only performed in private clinics.
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a titanium screw implanted into the jawbone that serves as an artificial tooth root. It forms the foundation for a denture or bridge. A bridge replaces two or more teeth, while a single crown (artificial tooth) replaces a single tooth.
Over time, your implant fuses with the jawbone and becomes firmly fixed in place. This process is called osseointegration.
Some people, due to trauma or periodontal (gum) disease, lack sufficient bone to support a dental implant. Additionally, the bone supporting previously extracted teeth often dissolves over time.
In these cases, you may undergo a bone augmentation procedure, such as an autologous bone graft, to add new bone to your maxillary or mandibular bones. This new bone is usually harvested from a donor site, such as your hipbone or tibia.
Once the graft has healed and fused with the underlying jawbone, it serves as the foundation for the titanium implant. Allografts (artificial bone material), xenografts (animal bone), and allografts (bone from a human donor) can also be used, but these methods tend to be less effective.
Why do I need dental implants?
If you have lost one or more teeth, dental implants may be beneficial for you. Tooth decay and trauma are the main causes of tooth loss.
Dental implants are stronger than bridges that are attached to other teeth. Dental implants provide long-lasting stability by integrating the new tooth with the bone.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are permanent, with 90-95% success rates for 10 years . Many dental implants can last 20 years or more; however, dental implants may last longer than crowns.
A few months after the implant is placed, once the implant has fully integrated with the bone, the crown and abutment are installed. The abutment is a post that attaches to the implant and extends up through the gums to allow the crown to be attached.
Studies show that 50% to 80% of dental crowns last 15 to 20 years . This is because dental crowns wear out daily and are therefore more fragile than the implant itself. Dental crowns cost much less than implants and are easier to replace.
While dental implants are often successful, they can still fail months or even years after placement. Let's take a closer look at the factors that affect the lifespan of dental implants.
