Dental implants are for many people a more appealing alternative to wearing dentures, especially if they are younger or their appearance is very important to them. However, implants require a considerable investment, and many factors should be considered before committing to a course of treatment. One of these factors is how long the implants will last. When you are spending so much money (typically between £2-4,000 per tooth), and undergoing major dental work, you want to be sure that the implants will last.
In theory, an implant can last indefinitely, although there have not yet been any studies that have looked at very long-term results. There are also many factors involved that can affect the duration of an implant; a good dentist will consider all these factors before deciding whether implants are a viable option for you.
Your health
Habits such as smoking or heavy drinking can mean that the area around the implant does not heal properly. So, it is important to be honest with your dentist before they proceed with implants; some will even refuse to provide implants to a patient who smokes because of the difficulties involved. If you have a history of gum disease, it may also make you an unsuitable candidate for implants.
Poor dental hygiene
You can’t just leave the implants to look after themselves, and forget about caring for your mouth and natural teeth. Poor dental hygiene can have an impact on the overall health of your mouth and therefore affect the implants. Bacteria around an implant can lead to a condition called periimplantitis, where the gum recedes, and may eventually end in the loss of the implant. It is important to adhere to a thorough cleaning process, and attend regular appointments with your hygienist. In fact, you may be advised to use extra tools if you have implants.
Location in the mouth
Patients are often surprised to learn that the location of the implant can affect its longevity. Those at the front of the mouth tend to last longer, since they receive less pressure than the teeth further back used for chewing. This is fortunate, given that because of the visibility of the front teeth, people may be more likely to have implants at the front to replace missing teeth.
Your bite
Some people have a heavy bite, or grind their teeth a lot. This can affect how long implants last, because of the greater pressure placed on the implants.
A consultation with a dentist will address the issues of how long dental implants will last, along with other solutions/options.
