Missing or damaged teeth due to an accident, tooth decay, infected gum, or a genetic condition are all good reasons to consider dental implants. The design of dental implants has been improved over the years to reduce the risk of implant failure due to issues of functionality or rejection. Still, everyone who receives this treatment has a responsibility and role to play in ensuring that the implant lasts enough.
Before making the final decision to opt for this treatment option, you need to explore the cost of dental implants in Honolulu. Averagely, it would be best if you prepared to pay between $1500 to $10000 per implant, depending on the dentist and how complicated your case is. For an accurate estimate, it is best to consult a dentist first.
How Long Were Dental Implants Designed to Last?
Typically, dental implants were designed to be long-lasting and were made as permanent solutions for tooth loss. That is why they were created through a process called osseointegration— which makes them share an interface with the jawbone directly.
At the completion of this process, the bone tissue surrounding the jawbone is permanently fused with the material of the implant. This allows the implant to serve as a false tooth root that forms a strong foundation for an artificial tooth.
Although the dental implant is particularly made to be permanent, the crown attached to it may constantly need to be changed as it often experiences wear and tear. Most percentages of crowns require replacement in 15-25 years.
Component of A Dental Implant
- The implant: This is surgically fused into the jawbone of the patient. It is a titanium or zirconia post that serves as the root of the crown.
- Abutment: the abutment is joined with the implant and holds the crown
- The crown: this is an artificial tooth made from ceramic which is usually placed on top of the abutment, giving the appearance and function of a natural tooth.
Since the abutment and crown are mostly involved in biting and chewing food, they are more prone to wear, tear, or damage.
What Factors Affect The Lifespan of Dental Implants?
Oral Hygiene
Before the titanium can successfully fuse to your gums, it must be healthy and alongside a dense jawbone. Any gum disease should be treated by your dentist to ensure the implant will be held by your jawbone firmly.
On your part, maintaining good oral hygiene before and after the implant is important to avoid gum disease, which is usually common among adults with tooth loss. A properly maintained oral cavity will not only aid a successful implant but will also help avoid future gum problems.
Your Lifestyle
An unhealthy lifestyle accompanied by heavy smoking and excessive drinking can affect the lifespan of your dental implants. These habits can affect the early stages of your implant treatment. They can slow down the healing process of your dental implant because of insufficient blood flow to the treated area.
Smoking and drinking can also lead to dehydration, which could in turn, cause gum disease and infection, which can lengthen the healing process of your dental implant. If not attended to properly, it could cause the implant to either be unsuccessful or compromise its integrity and lifespan.
Damages from Injury
Although dental implants are designed to be a permanent solution to tooth loss, the crowns are not beyond damage. Some of these damages can be caused by circumstances that we are unable to control, like injuries from accidents or falls. These could cause the crown to crack, break or damage entirely.
This means that you’ll have to be extremely careful and avoid things that could lead to such injuries, like chewing hard substances, eating sticky or chewy foods, falling with your face, and using your teeth as bottle openers or plastic packaging openers.
Location Of The Implant
Where the dental implants are located in your mouth also determines how long they will last. Places like the back of your mouth that constantly chew can affect the lifespan of that dental implant. It means implants near the front of the mouth will last longer and wear less.
The implant itself could last a lifetime with constant brushing and flossing and regular checkups after every 6 months with your dentists. However, the crowns need to be replaced due to wear and tear after a period of 15-25 years. But with proper oral hygiene and careful use of your dental implants, you are certain it will last beyond the average 20-25 years.
Is There Anything You Can’t Eat with Dental Implants?