Dental Implant Longevity: How Long Do They Last?

Dental implants have completely revolutionized the dental world by opening up life to many who have lost teeth. They offer very durable and natural-appearing options. With improvements in dental technology, implants have become one of the most viable and long-lasting options for replacing teeth.

One of the very common queries patients have is, “How long do dental implants last?” In this blog, we learn what determines dental implants’ lifespan and advise how to make them last.

When planning for dental implants in Abu Dhabi, it is essential to thoroughly consider the surgery and aftercare to ensure their longevity.

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made of titanium, surgically inserted into the jawbone to serve as a base for crowns, replacement teeth, or bridges. Over time, the titanium fuses with the bone through a process called osseointegration, creating a stable and long-lasting foundation. Because they closely mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth, dental implants have quickly become the preferred choice for tooth replacement among many people.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants can be maintained for 15 to 25 years or even longer with proper care. Unlike other dental solutions, such as dentures, implants are designed to be permanent. However, the actual lifetime of a dental implant depends on various factors, including the oral health of the patient, lifestyle, and the skill of the dentist performing the procedure.

For patients interested in getting dental implants in Abu Dhabi, it is advisable to visit a reputable dental clinic like Al Bahri Dental. The experienced team at this clinic provides personalized care to ensure the correct placement of dental implants and offers necessary assistance for maintaining their long-term functionality.

Factors That Affect Long-Term Success of Dental Implants

Though dental implants are designed to last, a variety of factors ultimately decide how long and well they will last. These include the following:

Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene is very important for the success and longevity of dental implants. It helps prevent plaque buildup and gum disease, which can affect the stability of your implants. It’s important to brush and floss regularly and visit your dentist for check-ups.

Bone Density: The success of dental implants depends greatly on the quality and density of the bone at the specific site where the implant is placed. A healthy and strong jawbone allows for proper osseointegration, the process by which an implant firmly fuses into the bone. If the bone density is inadequate, the surgeon may recommend bone grafting well before the implant procedure to ensure long-term success.

Lifestyle Habits: Of late, smoking has become very prevalent, and the excessive intake of alcohol would have an impact on the life span of a dental implant and its success. Smoking can choke the normal functioning of blood supply to bones and gums; hence, it acts as a barrier to healing or recovery and increases implant failure.

Bite Force and Pressure: The heavy forces on the dental implants due to bruxism or misaligned bites have the capacity for loosening the implant or even an implant failure. A night guard, if necessary, will protect your implants from undue pressure.

How to Extend the Life of Dental Implants

Proper aftercare is the secret to having your dental implant in Abu Dhabi last longer. Here are a few tips for increasing the life of your implants:

Excellent Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth with a soft brush twice a day and floss to remove plaque from the surrounding implant area.

Regular Dental Visits: Visit your dentist at least twice a year for a professional cleaning and to check on the health of your implants and gums.

Avoid Hard Foods: Chewing hard foods such as ice, hard candy, or bones can damage the implant crown or neighboring teeth.

Quit Smoking: If you are a smoker, quitting will remarkably increase the success rate and longevity of your implants.

Wear Protective Gear: If you clench or grind your teeth or participate in contact sports, consider wearing a night guard or a mouth guard to protect your implants from undue forces or trauma.

Dental implants are often the best option for replacing a missing tooth. With proper care, they can last up to 25 years or even longer. At Al Bahri Dental, a leading dental facility in Abu Dhabi, dental implants are placed with great precision, and the clinic provides excellent aftercare to ensure the long-term durability of the implants.

If you would like to know more about dental implants or need a guide on how to care for them, Al Bahri Dental offers professional advice and quality care. To learn more, call us at +971 2 575 1856, and we’ll be happy to help.