Dental implants are often touted as permanent solutions to decayed, broken, or missing teeth. Does that mean they last forever? If that is not the case, how long do they really last? Most ideal candidates of dental implants are curious to know how long the implants can last.
To be honest, it is inappropriate to say that dental implants last forever. While they are designed to be a permanent tooth replacement option, there are different factors that determine how long they can last.
For some patients, their implant will look great and functional for the rest of their lives, while some others will have to replace the implant after a really long time.
But how long do dental implants last, and what are the factors that affect durability? We will answer these and other important questions that dental implant candidates may have.
What Material Do Mental Implants Use?
One of the major reasons dental implants last as long as they do is because of the material they are made from.
The first dental implants were invented in 1952 by Ingvar Brånemark, a Swedish orthopedic surgeon. He continued working on the project, refining his findings, and got the opportunity to present it at the 1982 Toronto conference.
The concept of osseointegration was recognized at that point as the major reason dental implants were successful.
The process involves the jawbone growing into the implant and uniting with it to form a solid base for the new artificial teeth.
Over the years, osseointegration has remained the major factor in choosing the major materials for dental implants.
At the moment, titanium (Ti) and its alloys (primarily Ti-6Al-4V) has become the material of choice for dental implants.
This is a durable material that is biocompatible. It integrates easily with the jawbone, providing a solid and durable base for abutments and the crown.
The prosthetic components of the implants can be made from a variety of materials, including stainless steel, gold alloys, as well as cobalt-chromium and nickel-chromium alloys.
Types of Dental Implants
Another factor that will play a significant role in the duration of a dental implant is the type of implant. Depending on the condition of your teeth and jawbone, your dentist will require the specific type of dental implant that will suit you. Here are the major types you should know about:
1, Endosteal Implants – This is the most common type of dental implants. They are the ones that are placed in the jawbone. The prospective candidate must have a good, healthy jawbone to make this successful. They are the most durable types of dental implants.
2, Subperiosteal Implants – This is the major alternative to an endosteal implant. This type of implants rests on top of the jawbone but beneath the gum. This type of implant is not as durable as the intensive endosteal option.
3, Zygomatic Implants – This is the least common type of dental implant and involves placing the implants in the cheekbone. It is only considered as an option when the patient doesn’t have enough jawbone to support the implant and doesn’t want the less reliable subperiosteal type. The procedure is complicated, and the implants are not as durable as endosteal implants, still.
Dental Implant Procedure
Depending on the condition of your jawbone, the dental implant procedure can be a little more complicated.
If you don’t have enough jawbone to support the implant, bone grafting, or another corrective procedure may be done to prepare you for dental implants.
If you have a good, healthy jawbone, the implant procedure will be straightforward.
During the actual implant procedure, the dental surgeon will make an incision to open the gum. Next, a deep hole will be drilled into your jawbone, where the metal post will be placed.
After the placement, you will have to wait for osseointegration to be completed. This process of bone growth to unite your jawbone with the implant material can take several months. Meanwhile, a type of partial temporary denture may be placed to close the gap in your teeth through this period.
When your implant must have completely healed and integrated with your jawbone, a minor procedure will be performed to place the abutment on top of the implant.
This involves making an incision, placing the abutment, and closing the gum tissue around it and not over it. The gum will be allowed to heal. In about two weeks, the prosthesis can be attached.
The realistic-looking artificial teeth can be made from your choice of material. You can make your choice between removable, fixed, or a combination of both types of artificial teeth.
Truth about Dental Implants (Are They Really Effective?)
Some dental implant candidates are often curious about the effectiveness of this teeth replacement option.
They want to know if it is really as efficient and practical as most dentists advertise. The truth is that dental implants are very efficient.
They are currently recognized as the best options when it comes to a permanent solution to the problems of decayed, broken, and missing teeth.
Dental implants are very functional and reliable. The biocompatible titanium implants integrate with the jawbone to provide proper, functional support for the artificial teeth or denture.
The abutments ensure that that crown is properly connected to the implants without any kind of discomfort. The artificial crowns can be made of any standard material the candidate prefers. They are mostly more beautiful than original teeth.
What Are The Downsides Of Dental Implants?
Dental implants have a few possible downsides you should know about before making up your mind. Here are the most prominent ones:
1, They can be expensive and unaffordable for some individuals
2, Dental implants are normally not covered by dental insurance
3, They require surgical procedures to be completed
4, Dental implants take time to heal
5, Dental implants can lead to bone loss around the implant
6, Dental implants may fail, especially when they are performed by someone with limited experience
7, You might need to replace your restorations
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
As stated earlier, dental implants do not last forever. Actually, nothing lasts forever. With proper care, a successful dental implant can last more than 25 years.
Considering that they have a 95% average success rate, you can expect your implants to last more than 25 years. As long as they don’t get damaged, become loose, or develop an infection, dental implants will remain healthy and functional for a long while. They may last a lifetime for some candidates.
Where i can do Dental Implants Service in Calgary?
Glenbrook Dental Centre in Calgary does the best Dental implants service.
They trusted, board-certified dentists will examine you and determine if dental implants are right for you. They offering you highly affordable, compassionate dental implant services in Calgary, personalized to your needs. With years of experience in this Dental Implants industry, Glenbook Dental Centre is your best choice in Calgary.