Dental implants are meant to replace your tooth permanently and could last 20 to 30 years. But their actual life span depends entirely on your oral hygiene and how well you care for them.

Implants last very long because of the material they are made of. A dental implant is made of titanium or zirconia. It is the ‘root’ that is surgically embedded inside the jawbone. An abutment is then fastened to the implant to mount the crown in place, and at the very top is the ceramic crown that provides the function and looks of a natural tooth.

The abutment and the crown are more likely to suffer damage than the implant because of their exposure and active use when eating food. You may need to replace your crown every 10 to 15 years.

What Would Affect the Dental Implant Life Span?

As mentioned, dental implants can last for up to 30 years with proper care and maintenance. However, different factors can reduce their life span, including:

• Your Oral Hygiene

Although the implant is made of a more rigid material than a natural tooth, it still needs to be cared for, as you would for your natural teeth. Your gums need to stay healthy, and your jawbone needs to remain sufficiently dense to hold the titanium root. If you end up suffering from gum disease, you risk your implants falling off. So, even with implants, oral hygiene remains crucial. Ensure you brush and floss your teeth daily to reduce the plaque buildup and keep your gums healthy.

• Damage or Injury

Facial injuries, using your teeth to open plastic packaging and bottles, eating chewy and sticky foods, and chewing hard substances like ice and sweets could cause damage or cracking to your ceramic crowns. Depending on the extent of the damage, your implant could also be affected and may be knocked loose. So, avoid stressing your natural teeth and the implants, and limit them to chewing food only.

• Medical Conditions

Some pre-existing health conditions like diabetes or weakened immunity may influence the effectiveness of your dental treatment and the longevity of your implants. Conditions like these make you more susceptible to infections and increase the likelihood of implant failure. Osseointegration, the process of the titanium root fusing to the jawbone, requires that your gums be completely healthy to be successful. So, if you have any pre-existing condition, let the dentist know to assess your situation and devise a treatment plan early on during the consultation.

• Lifestyle Choices

Behaviors like heavy drinking and excessive smoking dramatically reduce the life of your implant, especially if you indulge in them in the early days after your implant placement. The nicotine in cigarettes affects your blood flow. Your body depends on sufficient blood flow to heal the treated area, which slows down recovery. Smoking also increases the chances of bacterial plaque that can cause gum disease. On the other hand, alcohol causes blood thinning that may keep your blood from clotting correctly after the surgery. Excessive alcohol also causes dehydration, which may dry out your mouth tissues and not heal properly. Without proper healing, your implant may not last long.

Get Care for Your Dental Implants

The longevity of your dental implants depends on how well you look after them and your overall oral health. You will need regular dental checkups and hygiene appointments to keep your gums and teeth healthy.

For more on dental implants, visit SA Dental at our practice in Santa Ana, California. Call 714-852-3140 to schedule your appointment.