Dental implants are long-lasting solutions for tooth replacement. They have a high success rate and are designed to last a lifetime. However, their lifespan may vary depending on several factors, such as:
Dental Care Routine
Poor oral hygiene can cause gum diseases. When you have peri-implantitis, an inflammation that occurs around the gum tissues and dental implant, you will likely experience bone loss and implant mobility. This can eventually lead to dental implant failure. The good thing is that you can prevent this by practicing good dental hygiene. Our dentist can advise you on how to take care of your dental implants to make them last longer.
Lifestyle and Diet
Your lifestyle and diet will also determine how long your implant will last. Lifestyles such as smoking can reduce the success rate of dental implants. As a result, you should avoid smoking if you consider replacing the missing tooth with a dental implant.
Another lifestyle factor that affects the longevity of your dental implant is diet. After the dental implant, the dentist may advise you to rely only on soft foods. You may also need to avoid chewing on the surgery area. A nutritious and balanced diet is also vital in extending the lifespan of your dental implant. A nutritious diet will strengthen your teeth and speed up the healing process.
Bone Density
Enough jaw bone density is vital for long-term dental implant success. If you don't have enough bone, the dental implant will not have something to support it. Hence, it will not be positioned properly, leading to failure. That's why our dentist will ensure that you have enough strong bones before dental implant surgery. If you don't have sufficient bone to support the implant, our professional may recommend a bone graft to bulk up the jawbone.