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Getting dental implants can be a life-changing experience. Done right, they can restore your ability to eat a full range of foods comfortably, support better long-term oral health, and completely renew your confidence. Whether you saw our team or another implant dentist in Phoenix or Gilbert, we want to help you get the most out of your dental implants.
This post explains what can cause problems with dental implants and simple habits that help dental implants last as long as possible.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
With excellent placement and proper long-term care, dental implants can last many decades. In fact, a recent study indicated a 96% implant survival rate after about 40 years. Because dental implants have only been available in the US since about 1980, we don’t know for sure how long dental implants can potentially last, but it appears that in the right circumstances they may be able to retain their strength and stability for life.
However, that’s not to say that dental implants are invincible. While the implant post appears to have excellent longevity over the decades, the restoration (meaning the crown, bridge, or implant denture) can break, become loose, or get damaged and need to be replaced from time to time.
There are also a few issues that can shorten the lifespan of your implant post or increase the risk of failing dental implants. Some of these can even lead to dental implant problems years later.
Factors That Can Lead to Dental Implant Failure
- Peri-implantitis (gum disease around dental implants)
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Uncontrolled health conditions like diabetes
- Poor oral hygiene
- Poor implant placement
- Teeth grinding and jaw clenching
- Complications from implant surgery
Getting the Best Dental Implant Lifespan
Like any surgery, some aspects of long-term implant success are out of your control. However, there is a lot you can do to ensure your dental implants last as long as possible.
1. Choose the Right Implant Dentist Near You
The lifespan of your dental implants relies a lot on how they are placed. Insufficient bone support, poor angulation, and excessive biting force on the implant can all lead to problems with dental implants. In some cases, this may mean the implant doesn’t integrate with the bone properly from the beginning. In others, it can lead to dental implant problems years after surgery.
Our team at Dental Specialty Associates of Arizona is proud to provide a board-certified oral surgeon and skilled prosthodontist in the same convenient dental office. We use advanced 3D imaging and surgical techniques to ensure precision placement, and carefully designed dental prosthetics to create a healthy, balanced bite so your implants are built to last.
2. Take Excellent Care of Your Teeth at Home
Unlike natural teeth, dental implants can’t get cavities. But they can get a type of gum disease called peri-implantitis, which can damage the structures that hold your implant in place. Left untreated, peri-implantitis can break the delicate seal between the gums and the implant, and lead to bone loss and implant failure years after it was placed.
Great implant maintenance at home makes all the difference. Here’s how to take care of your dental implants:
- Brush with good technique at least twice every day
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or electric toothbrush
- Be sure to brush all the way to the base of the restoration
- Floss carefully every day
- Use floss threaders and interdental brushes as directed by your dentist
- Use non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste
- Consider using a water flosser, especially for full-mouth dental implants
If you use a water flosser, be sure to talk to your implant dentist about the right technique and power settings. Using too much pressure to clean dental implants with a water flosser may damage them. However, it’s an invaluable tool for permanently fixed implant dentures, which can build up plaque under the prosthesis that can’t be brushed away with a toothbrush.
3. Keep Up with Regular Dental Visits
Whether you still have natural teeth or you wear implant dentures, it’s critical to keep up with regular check-ups and dental cleanings. For many people, this means scheduling a routine visit every six months. However, you may benefit from more frequent visits depending on your specific situation. Be sure to discuss with your implant dentist and stick to their recommended schedule as closely as possible.
4. Try to Stay Healthy
The lifespan of dental implants is closely tied to your overall wellbeing. Health conditions like diabetes or osteoporosis can affect the longevity of dental implants by affecting the supporting tissues. Smoking, vaping, tobacco use, and heavy alcohol use can also shorten the lifespan of your dental implants by affecting healthy blood flow to the gums and increasing overall oral health risks.
5. Avoid Habits That Can Damage Your Implants
If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw, be sure to talk to your implant dentist about it! Wearing a night guard can make a huge difference in helping your dental implants last as long as possible by preventing excess strain. Other habits, like using your teeth as tools to open packages or chewing on ice, can also put unnecessary strain on your implants. In general, try to be kind to your new smile!
We Want Your Renewed Smile to Last a Lifetime
Our team at Dental Specialty Associates of Arizona is here to help you enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles. If you’re looking for an implant dentist near you or need help with implant maintenance in Phoenix or Gilbert, we’re here to help. We can set you up with the tools, techniques, and guidance to ensure your dental implants last as long as possible. Get in touch with our team to schedule your consultation today!
