How long do dental implants last?

Much like natural teeth, how long that dental implants last is down to how well you look after them.

Modern dental implants have been around for over 30 years and worldwide data suggested that 95% of implants can be expected to last 15-20 years. It is predicted that 90% of dental implants should last a lifetime with the correct care.

How do you make sure your dental implants last?

Undergoing dental implant treatment is an investment for your dental health. Dental implants are there to improve your smile and boost your confidence.

Think about how amazing you would feel with a brand new smile. How long would you like that feeling to last?

Developing an excellent oral health routine is a must if you want to keep your smile looking great. Making sure you’re brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing at least once per day is a great start to keeping your teeth nice and clean.

There are more lifestyle changes you can make that will improve your oral health. Quitting smoking, decreasing the amount of alcohol you consume and improving your diet with more fruit and veg will all contribute to you having a healthier mouth.

During the healing process, your dentist will want to see you regularly for check-ups. They will make sure that your implant is healing correctly and that you’re completely happy with it. It is extremely important that you attend regular appointments with your dentist even after the healing process.

What factors can cause implant failure?

Smokers are at risk of implant failure. The failure rate of smokers is 10-15% with a similar rate also given to patients with high alcohol consumption. There are also several different medical conditions and facial trauma that can affect the longevity of your dental implant.

In your initial comprehensive dental examination at Stella Maris Dental, Dr Hani Namih will talk you through any possible problems that can occur and answer any further questions you may have about the treatment.

Dental implants vs other tooth-replacement options

Dental implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth. Unlike dentures, an implant provides enough support to act like a natural tooth and because of this, is becoming the standard tooth-replacement treatment. Dental implants don’t put stress on adjacent teeth as they are attached to the jaw bone, which is a common problem with dental bridges.

For more information on dental implants, click here.