Dental implants are structures that help replace a missing tooth. The implant itself is embedded into your jawbone to serve as an artificial tooth root. A prosthetic tooth called a dental crown is mounted atop the implant after your recovery.
Generally, dental implants are designed to remain as a permanent fixture in your mouth. In fact, studies report a success rate of 96 percent with dental implants over the last decade.
However, the chances of dental implants failing in the months or years after placement also exist. There are several factors contributing to this development. Therefore you must understand how long dental implants last, why they fail, and how failed implants are treated.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implant placements are intended to remain as permanent restorations. The implants interface directly with your jawbone integrating with the surrounding bone tissue in a process called osseointegration.
When the implant completes osseointegration, the material of the implant and the surrounding bone have integrated. The integration causes the implant to serve as your artificial tooth root forming a stable foundation for a prosthetic tooth.
While dental implants in Tuscaloosa, AL, are designed for permanency, you might need to get replacements for the dental crown mounted atop it due to regular wear and tear. Approximately 50 to 80 percent of crowns need replacements every 15 to 20 years.
Types of Dental Implants
Endosteal Implants
The most common type of dental implant is the endosteal implant appearing like tiny screws made from titanium. This implant is embedded directly into the jawbone using a two-step process. You receive anesthesia during the placement to ensure you don’t endure any discomfort.
During the procedure, the dentist in Tuscaloosa, Al, makes incisions in your gums and drills into the jawbone to make space for the implant. After implant placement, your jawbone and gums are allowed time to recover. A dental crown is mounted atop the implant on an abutment during a follow-up visit.
Subperiosteal Implants
Subperiosteal implants are placed on top of the jawbone just under the gums. This variety contains a metal framework with tiny extensions protruding from the gums. These implants are generally recommended for people with insufficient jawbone who cannot undergo additional procedures like bone grafts or sinus lifts before implant placement.
Mini Dental Implants
If you lack the jawbone required for implant placement but need an entire arch of teeth in the upper or lower jaw, you can consider mini dental implants available as all on 4 dental implants. These implants are ideal for patients with insufficient jawbone and without teeth in their mouths.
Mini dental implants are placed strategically in your jawbone and help support an entire arch of teeth as removable or fixed dentures. All three options described are designed to remain as permanent fixtures in your mouth and will remain with you for a lifetime with proper care.
Factors Influencing Implant Failure
While dental implants last a lifetime for many people, they can fail in some cases. Generally, implant failure occurs when factors may interfere with osseointegration and recovery. Some factors that might influence dental implant failure include the following.
Improper Maintenance
Excellent dental hygiene is essential for dental implants, just like your natural teeth. When you allow plaque to accumulate around the implants, it can lead to gum disease, damaging both your gums and jawbone.
You can develop peri-implantitis, which results in implant failure if you do not maintain your dental hygiene appropriately. Therefore you must brush your teeth at least twice, floss at least once, limit your intake of sugary foods and get six-monthly dental exams without exceptions.
Medical Conditions
Many medical conditions are also associated with dental implant failure. They include diabetes, osteoporosis, bleeding disorders, a weakened immune system, and cardiovascular diseases like high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and congestive heart failure.
Inexperienced Dental Professionals
After realizing the costs of dental implants, you may think of getting affordable dental implants near you offered by many inexperienced dental professionals. Unfortunately, the inexperience of the dentist might contribute to implant failure because they might use poorly designed implants, attach a crown before the implant is stable or cause tissue trauma during the placement.
When getting dental implants as replacements for your natural teeth, you must ensure that you deal with an experienced dental professional to have replacements that remain with you forever. The prices for dental implants are undoubtedly higher than other tooth replacement solutions. However, you receive a solution that functions and appears like your natural teeth, and the investment required in the placements is fully justified.
If you intend to replace your missing teeth with dental implants, Dental Care South provides restorations with advice on making them last a lifetime. Kindly do not hesitate to contact this practice for the dental implants you need.