With regular oral care and proper maintenance, which includes brushing and flossing your teeth, along with regular dental checkups, your dental implants can last up to 25 years, and in some situations a lifetime. How long your dental implant will last will also depend on where in your mouth your implant is located. An implant located in the front of your mouth will not have as much stress applied to it whereas an implant in the back of your mouth, where it performs several functions that require force, including chewing will have more stress.
Most people think of dental implants as the combination of the titanium post and the prosthetic tooth or bridge. And while the dental implant, or the post, is designed to be permanent the crown that is attached to the post may need to be replaced due to normal wear and tear.
Reasons a Dental Implant Fails
Dental implants can last a lifetime but sometimes they don’t. Some of the reasons that may cause an implant to fail to include the following:
- Lack of care and maintenance
Plaque can accumulate around your dental implant. Without proper care which includes regular dental visits, it can lead to gum disease damaging your gums and jawbone. Left untreated, it can lead to a condition known as peri-implantitis, leading to failure of the implant.
- Bone loss
Bone loss can cause the implant to lose its stability. This can result from conditions such as peri-implant disease, osteoporosis, or other conditions that impact your bone health.
- Smoking and Drinking
Dental implants have a lower success rate for those who smoke because smoking or drinking interferes with the flow of blood to the area. It slows the integration of the implant into the jawbone and the healing process. Smoking is a big risk factor for the development of gum disease.
- Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding can fracture your implant. It can loosen or fracture the screw of the implant or the crown. Teeth grinding can prevent the integration of the implant into the jawbone.
- Medical Conditions
Some medical conditions have been considered to affect dental implants causing them to fail. These conditions include diabetes, osteoporosis, immunocompromised people, bleeding disorders, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and congestive heart failure. Your medical condition and health will determine how well your mouth heals after the implant procedure.
- Age
Older adults may have underlying medical or bone conditions that prevent the integration of the dental implant. Dental implants require a certain amount of bone density in your jaw and bone density decreases over time. In addition, older adults have a slower ability to heal.
- Medications or Medical Treatments
Some medications or treatments may affect the dental implant causing it to fail especially if you are on immunosuppressive drugs, blood thinners, or undergoing radiation therapy.
How To Prevent Dental Implant Failure
It’s crucial that you practice good oral hygiene when you have a dental implant. Care for the dental implant by brushing and flossing your teeth at least two times a day to reduce plaque buildup. It’s very important to have regular dental checkups to get a professional cleaning and ensure that your implant has settled and that there is no damage to the crown.
Practicing good dental hygiene includes the following:
- Brushing your teeth at least twice a day
- Flossing your teeth
- Limiting sugary or sticky foods from your diet
- Regular dental checkups – every 6 months
- Not smoking
- Making healthy food choices
- Controlling your blood sugar
By practicing good oral hygiene, which includes regular cleanings and checkups with your Shine Dental dentist, you can prolong the life of your dental implants. Creating a beautiful smile is our top priority at Shine Dental Associates. We use the latest technology, quality materials, and treatment options. Make an appointment with Shine Dental Associates by calling 516-271-0753 our office is conveniently located at 400 Jericho Turnpike Syosset, NY 11791.
