Thinking About Dental Implants?
When thinking about what kind of teeth replacement solution to go with, dental implants are an excellent choice; but how long do they last? Factors that affect how long dental implants last depend largely on the patient’s lifestyle and overall hygiene. So, how long do dental implants last, and what would be the reasons for them to fail?
The fair answer is: dental implants can last for several years, but it all depends on how well the patient takes care of them. With that being said, dental implants are the best and most comfortable option when looking for a long-term solution to replace missing tooth/teeth. According to recent studies, when done correctly, dental implants show a 98% success rate, compared to a bridge or dentures which have a much lower success rate and often cause discomfort when wearing. Most dentists estimate that dental implants can last up to 25 years, or even a lifetime if cared for properly while maintaining proper hygiene.
Dental Implant Definitions
- Implant: The implant is the titanium post that will be surgically inserted into the patient’s jawbone to act as a root for the crown.
- Abutment: This is attached to the implant and holds the crown in place.
- Crown: The crown is secured onto the abutment and is designed to look like a natural tooth.
Dental Implant “All-On-4” Phases
- Once you are adequately sedated and anesthetized so that you don’t experience any discomfort during the course of treatment, our experienced surgeon will start preparing your mouth to receive dental implants. This involves the removal of all of your remaining teeth that will be replaced by implants, followed by the rigorous “cleaning out” of any diseased, chronically infected tissue from your jaw and gums. We then commence the placement of dental implants.
- Two dental implants placed near the front of your jaw. Another two implants are placed at a 45° angle near the back of the jaw. The angulations enable the implants to reap greater support from the jawbone, at the same time, avoiding damage to vital oral structures.
- Once the implants have been placed, we will bring the surgery to a close-by thoroughly cleaning the surgical sites and suturing up all incisions. You will then be wheeled to our private recovery room where you will be given some time to relax and awaken completely from the effects of sedation or anesthesia.
After you are rested from surgery, our prosthodontist will put the final touches on your customized provisional (temporary) prosthetic dental bridge. Dr. Punjabi will then attach your new set of teeth to your implants and adjust it for comfort, bite, and fit. When you are happy with the fit and feel of the implants, you can then admire your new smile in a mirror.
Factors That Can Cause Dental Implants To Fail
Dental implants are meant to provide long-term sustainability when cared for in the correct manner, but there are several different reasons that can cause implants to fail. The following are factors that may be in the patient’s control, while others are not.
Some of these factors include:
- Patients who suffer from diabetes
- Cancer patients
- Patients who are frequent smokers
- Patients who suffer from periodontal disease
- Implants that were not placed correctly
Like regular teeth, dental implants need to be maintained through regular great oral hygiene even though they cannot get cavities. It is crucial to keep up with consistent dental visits so that your dentist can provide you with the best tools to keep your implants maintained.
Thinking About Dental Implants?
If you are considering dental implants, you need to see the best dentist possible. Our prosthodontist, Dr. Punjabi, and a team of implant specialists use the finest and latest technology to achieve outstanding results for all of his patient’s individual needs. You will be in the best hands while receiving a smile that you’ve always dreamt of.
Give our office a call at (909) 798-9950, or email us at [email protected] to set up a complimentary consultation to see Dr. Punjabi. We look forward to speaking with you and helping you achieve the smile you love.