Dental implants have become an increasingly popular procedure for our patients looking to replace missing, decaying or damaged teeth. They offer a wide range of benefits over other options, such as dentures or bridges. These benefits include a more natural aesthetic and feel, improved oral health, the opportunity to retain a healthy mouth structure and jawbone, and the ability to eat and speak with ease. During our free treatment consultations, we answer lots of questions about dental implants every day. One of the biggest questions people ask is–will my dental implants last a lifetime? Let’s find out.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a cosmetic solution for restoring a smile with missing, damaged, or decaying teeth. Implants consist of a biocompatible titanium screw that acts as a tooth root and a porcelain crown that resembles a real tooth.
During treatment, the titanium screw is surgically anchored into the jawbone for durable and reliable results. After the screw has had ample time to fuse to the jawbone and heal, we will then secure the porcelain crown to complete the procedure.
Will My Dental Implants Last a Lifetime?
The answer is: it depends.
While dental implants are designed to be long-lasting, providing a permanent and reliable fix for missing teeth, several factors can impact their lifespan, including:
1) The Quality of the Implant:
The quality of the dental implant, including the materials used, can significantly impact its longevity. High-quality implants made from strong, durable materials such as titanium or zirconia will typically last longer than those made from lower-quality materials. At Shields Dental & Orthodontic Clinic, we are specialists in providing dental implants and only use the highest quality biocompatible titanium for the implant and durable porcelain crowns to create aesthetic results that are resistant to wear and tear.
2) Proper Placement:
Dental implants need to be correctly placed by a qualified dental professional to ensure their stability and longevity. Our professional dentists have over 24 years of experience in dentistry to ensure safe and stable results.
3) Oral Hygiene:
Practising good oral hygiene, such as daily brushing and flossing, are essential for maintaining the health of your implants and extending their lifespan. Regular dental check-ups are also crucial so that we can examine the condition of your implants and prevent gum disease.
4) Lifestyle Habits:
Lifestyle habits such as smoking, chewing ice or pencils, eating hard and crunchy foods, and using your teeth to open packaging can put excess stress onto your implants and reduce their lifespan. While our porcelain crowns are durable, it’s best to avoid exerting excessive bite force onto your fixtures to keep them strong. We also advise using a mouth guard to protect your dental implant during any physical activity.
5) Maintenance:
Regular dental check-ups and cleanings can help identify and address any issues with your implants.
6) Overall health:
People with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain autoimmune disorders, may encounter a shorter lifespan for their implants due to an increased risk of infection and the effect these conditions can have on the healing and recovery process. Specific medications, such as steroids and certain types of chemotherapy, can also interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of implant failure.
So… while dental implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime, they are the closest thing to permanent restorations. With proper care and maintenance, many patients can see their dental implants lasting twenty years or more before they need replacing or re-securing.
Dental implants may need to be replaced or re-secured due to normal wear and tear, jawbone changes, or shifting of the implants. Regular dental check-ups can help to identify – if and when – these issues occur, allowing for timely treatment and maintenance to extend the life of your fixtures.
At Shields Dental & Orthodontic Clinic, we are pioneers in the industry with over 24 years of dentistry experience. We’ve treated over 1000 implant cases, and our materials and techniques ensure that your fixtures last for years before requiring some TLC.
Does undergoing a surgical treatment make you feel nervous or stressed? Don’t let it stop you achieving your dream smile. Dr Conor Shields has been awarded a Diploma in Conscious Sedation by Guy’s Hospital to provide gaseous and IV sedation to all our patients. Learn more about how Sedation Therapy can help you.
Final Thoughts:
Dental implants are an excellent option for replacing missing or damaged teeth, with a 95% success rate. With proper care and maintenance, they can provide a durable solution that can last for many years. The longevity of dental implants can vary from person to person and is dependent on factors such as oral hygiene, overall health, and bite force. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings can also help monitor the fixture’s condition and catch any potential problems before they become too serious. If you are considering dental implants, be sure to book a free consultation with our treatment coordinators to discuss your options and find out if they are the right solution for you.
We Provide Dental Implants in the Limerick, Castletroy, Roscrea and Blackrock areas. Here’s Why You Should Consider Shields Dental & Orthodontic Clinic:
At Shields, we provide free Treatment Consultations with our highly experienced treatment coordinators to help you determine whether this is the right choice for you. A free teeth whitening treatment is also included with all our dental implant services to give you a brighter, stronger smile.
When it comes to your dental health, there should be no compromise. That’s why we offer buy now, pay later options with 0% finance available for up to 18 months so you can make the right choices without the stress of fees.
Book online or call our friendly reception team at 061 539026.
We can’t wait to welcome you!
