Whether you’ve just received new dental implants or you’re currently weighing your options, you might be wondering how long dental implants are expected to last once the procedure is complete and they’re fully installed. Below we’ll share some brief insight about implants; if you have any other questions, please contact the Lorton Oral Surgery offices to speak with one of our dental professionals.
Dental implants are a tooth or teeth replacement option that involves surgically placing a new tooth root into your jaw bone. After a settling period, this implant fuses with the surrounding bone and will support a denture or crown as required. The implant itself is made of titanium, the same material that is used in hip replacements or in bone screws used after a serious fracture. These implants are becoming incredibly popular as they are relatively low maintenance and last for a very long time if cared for, typically in the range of 10-20 years. In fact, some papers show that Gösta Larsson – regarded as the first recipient of a dental implant – still had his original implants 40 years after he received them!
Although the difference is small, dental implants failure rates do vary between those placed in natural bone versus those placed in grafted bone. According to recent data, the overall long-term success rate of natural bone implants is over 95%; this figure drops to between 85 and 90% when placed in grafted bone. There are numerous reasons to explain the difference, but the most important note is that as long as they are properly cared for, implants in either natural or grafted bone have a high long-term success rate.
There’s little doubt about it – if you smoke, your dental implants have a far higher probability of failure. Studies suggest that the dental implant failure rate in smokers is more than 2.5 times that of a non-smoker; this is a massive increase in risk that shouldn’t be ignored. We won’t get into the many (many!) reasons to quit smoking cigarettes in this blog post, but know that if you have dental implants you can rest assured that Dr. Patel or your oral and maxillofacial surgeon will be encouraging you to consider kicking the habit.
The most important factor in how long your dental implants last is… you! The care and maintenance of your teeth and gums, as well as your overall bone health – which is especially critical if you’re elderly – will play a critical role in how long your implants last. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you can just brush and floss regularly. You will need to see your dentist and hygienist regularly for checkups and cleanings and so that your dentist can inspect your implants to ensure they’re in good shape.
In closing, dental implants are a safe, proven treatment that will last many years – decades, even – as long as close attention is paid to your oral health. If you have further questions about your dental implants, or if you are concerned that your implants are beginning to wear out, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Patel and the Lorton Oral Surgery team. We are happy to help!
Dental Implants are actually designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh, and enjoy life. The Doctors are dedicated to staying abreast in the most current info on dental implants, surgical procedures and dental technology by attending continuing education courses and Academy meetings. From implant restoration, it will help you to built more confidence.
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