How Long do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants are well known for providing long lasting results for those patients looking to replace missing teeth, but how long is ‘long-lasting’? When first developed, implants were not known to last for an extended period of time. Over the years, extensive research and development has led to advancement in implant technology, which has vastly increased their long-term success. With over one million patients treated with dental implants, research has shown that over 95% of all implants place are successful—success is defined by proper function lasting over five years.

Dental implants are not a permanent solution, but if taken care of properly, can last for years (many more than five years). So how long do dental implants last?  That depends on a variety of factors.

The first and most important factor is long-term care. After a dental implant is placed, it is important to brush and floss regularly. Keeping implants clean will prevent inflammation. Regular visits to the dentist will also help. Professional cleaning on a regular basis can significantly reduce implant failure.

The second factor that can influence implant success is the skill of the dentist that placed the implant. Dental implantation requires additional education that not all dentists receive in dental school. When searching for a dental implant dentist, it is important to choose one that is both certified and reputable. Dental implantology requires skills that not all dentists possess.

The third factor related to implant success is the quality of the implant or fixture being placed. Dental implantation is a field of dentistry that has exploded in popularity over the past few years. There are many companies out there producing dental implants, but not all are certified. Non-certified implants allow dentists to cut costs, which can provide a more affordable implant for patients—but can also lead to problems down the line. When undergoing the implant procedure, be sure your dentist is using certified implants and fixtures.

How long do dental implants last today? That depends on a couple of factors. One, of course, is how well you take care of them. You need to brush and floss - keep them clean, to prevent inflammation around the implants.

How long your dental implants last will ultimately depends on you as well as the care and expertise of your dentist. Poor quality treatment can lead to implant failure so be sure to visit a certified dentist for all your implant needs.

How Much Are Dental Implants

When considering undergoing any dental procedure, adequate research will help patients to decide which is right for them. However there is one main factor that will often contribute to a patient’s final decision—cost. This is no different for dental implants, but like many dental procedures, there are several options when it comes to dental implantation, and dental implant costs can vary depending on which you choose. How much dental implants are will ultimately depend on each individual patient.

Advancements in dental implant technology have led to treatments that are less invasive and more affordable, two factors that have led to an increase in the amount of men and women who are candidates for the procedure. That being said, replacing missing teeth isn’t cheap, and choosing a specific implant procedure based solely on cost is not always the best idea. Learning about the different types of implant procedures will help patients to find an affordable option that will provide long lasting results.

Dental implants have been available to patients for years. Treatments can be quite invasive, and often require multiple visits in order to complete—factors which affect the overall treatment cost. Recent advancements in technology, however, have brought about a new implant treatment option for patients—mini dental implants.

Mini dental implants or MDI’s, closely mimic their more traditional counterparts, however there are several basic differences that effectively lower overall cost.

One of the great benefits of MDI’s is that only one visit to the dentist is needed for placement. In just a single appointment, patients can transform their smile.

MDI treatments are also beneficial for patients because of their minimally invasive nature. During treatment, small incisions are made in the gum line to allow for insertion of the implant into the jawbone. Once the implants are placed, no stitches are required, no downtime is needed, and patients only require a local anesthetic for the procedure.

The materials used are also influence the overall cost of dental implants. MDI’s are smaller than their traditional counterparts (about half the size) therefore fewer materials are used, which reduces overall cost.

The option to live with missing, broken or damaged teeth is always there, but this often causes more harm than good, and can end up costing more to fix in the long run. When asking how much are dental implants, be sure to take all factors into consideration before making your final decision.

Denture Stabilization with Dental Implants

Dental implants provide patients currently struggling with removable dentures a simple and effective solution for denture stabilization. Physical discomfort, unpleasant breath, and even embarrassment due to unexpected shifting while speaking or chewing are things that all denture wearers are weary of. The use of dental implants to stabilize loose or poorly fitting dentures provides great relief for these common problems.

If a patient is completely without teeth, they have two main options: to place implants in the upper and lower jaw to support fixed bridges, or to stabilize existing removable dentures with the use of implants. This can be done using traditional dental implants or mini dental implants.

The Denture Stabilization Procedure

The dental implant treatment takes place right in your dentist’s office. Using precise, controlled surgical techniques, the implants are placed into the jawbone. The procedure begins with the administration of an anesthetic, after which small incisions are made in the gum line. A specialized drill is then used to create a place in the jawbone where the implant is inserted. The implant is then ‘screwed’ into the jawbone where it acts at the tooth root for the dentures, providing long lasting stability.

How The Implant Works

Dental implants are comprised of three essential parts:

-        The implant. A titanium alloy implant is rooted into the jawbone using a specialized technique. The implant acts as an anchor for denture stabilization.

-        Metal housing. Metal housings will be incorporated into the base of the removable dentures; they are what connect the dentures to the implant.

-        O-ring. A rubber o-ring resides inside of the metal housing, and is what provides the seal to effectively lock the two pieces together.

When the implants are properly placed in the jawbone, only the ball-shaped head of the implant, also known as the abutment, will be visible above the gum line. The metal housing, complete with o-ring, will then be ‘snapped’ onto the protruding abutment, allowing the dentures to rest comfortably on the gum line, locking them firmly in place.

Placing several implants in both the upper and lower jaw can easily stabilize dentures. With this innovative treatment, dentures can be removed by a dentist at the patient’s convenience, for easy cleaning and adjustments. Stabilized dentures allow patients to complete everyday tasks such as speaking and eating with ease. If you are searching for long-lasting denture stabilization alternatives, consider dental implants.

Dental Implant Procedure

Procedures for replacing broken, damaged and missing teeth have been utilized by men and women for hundreds of years, but with advancements in dental technology, today patients can achieve a beautiful smile that looks perfectly natural. Dental Implant procedures offer patients the opportunity to replace a single tooth, a group of teeth or an entire set of teeth, with long-lasting stable results.  Are dental implants right for you?  Learn about this innovative treatment and see if it can help you to enhance your smile.

The dental implant procedure is not something that can be completed in a single day, but the results are well worth the time and effort. During your first appointment, your dentist will assess the area to determine if you are a proper candidate. Dental implants require a certain amount of surrounding bone for proper stabilization, if candidates have enough bone mass in their jaw, treatment can begin. If not, bone grafting may be necessary.

Once patients are ready to receive an implant, they will undergo dental implant surgery.  There are two main types of dental implant surgery:

Subperiosteal - This involves placement 'on the bone'. The artificial tooth will be placed by your dentist on top of the jaw. A metal framework in protruded through the gum line, which acts as a grip for the prosthesis. This treatment is used for patients who have a less bone height and are not proper candidates for traditional dentures.

Endosteal – The opposite of subperiosteal, this treatment is done 'in the bone'. Treatment requires surgical placement of cylinders, blades or screws into the jaw bone.  These act as stabilizers or ‘tooth roots’ for the artificial tooth or teeth

The duration of the entire procedure varies from person to person depending on a variety of factors including the patient’s physical condition and anatomy. Dental implants involve several procedures and it can take anywhere from three to nine months to complete treatment, sometimes even longer. Before beginning treatment, discuss all of the pros and cons with your dentist to determine if dental implants are the best treatment for replacing your missing teeth.

Mini Dental Implants for Bridges

Dentures, crowns and bridges are all widely used methods of tooth replacement, but as dental patients who have undergone these procedures know, these forms of tooth replacement, while more affordable than other options, do not last nearly as long—and can even cause problems down the line. If you are currently searching for a tooth replacement method that will provide you with long lasting results, consider mini dental implants.

Mini dental implants have enhanced many forms of tooth replacement, one of which is dental bridges. A dental bridge is a false tooth or teeth, which is fused between two porcelain crowns in order to fill the gap left by a missing tooth or teeth. While this treatment is effective in replacing a single tooth or a small group of teeth, it ultimately relies on support from surrounding teeth, which, over time, can cause damage and decay.

Mini dental implants for bridges will still give patients the look and feel of natural teeth, but the dental implants provide support for the bridge, eliminating the need for surrounding support. The treatment will begin with the administration of a local anesthetic. Your dentist will numb the area, after which he or she will make a small incision in the gum line, providing access to the jaw bone. A specialized drill is then used to create a small hole in which the implant will be placed. A specialized wrench is then used to ‘screw’ the implant into the jawbone, where it provides stability for the bridge by acting as the tooth root.

Once the implant is firmly in place, the ball-shaped head, or abutment, will be the only part of the implant that remains visible above the gum line. The dental bridge will then be fixed with a metal housing which is socket-like in nature. This housing is what attaches the bridge to the implant. Once the metal housing is attached, your dentist will ‘snap’ the bridge onto the implant, where it will rest comfortably on the gum line, giving you the look and feel of natural teeth.

Mini dental implants for bridges are a safe and effective way to replace missing teeth with longer lasting results. Without relying on surrounding teeth for support, mini dental implants will increase the life of your bridge while decreasing the chances of damaging your surrounding teeth.

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Who is a Candidate for Mini Dental Implants?

There are many dental treatments currently available to those who are looking to replace missing teeth. Knowing whether or not you are a candidate for a certain procedure will help to determine which treatment will get you the best results.  When it comes to mini dental implants, the advanced technology and treatment versatility allows for a wider range of candidates, when compared to other dental implant procedures. Are mini dental implants right for you? Here are some of the determining factors for candidacy.

Age. Dental implants can be placed any time after adolescence, or when bone growth is complete. Consult with your dentist prior to treatment to ensure that your bone growth is complete.

Medical conditions. Certain medical conditions may affect one’s ability to undergo dental implantation. Active diabetes, cancer and periodontal disease may require additional treatment before mini dental implants can be implanted.

Bone structure.  The number one factor that determines who is a candidate for mini dental implants is the structure of the jaw bone. A minimum of 2 mm of bone on all sides of the implant—both surrounding and underneath—is required for implantation. Traditional implants, due to their larger size, require additional bone for proper stabilization, something that many patients did not have. With Mini Dental Implants, or MDI’s, the smaller implant size requires less surrounding bone, making for a more versatile treatment.

Based on the factors listed above as well as the condition of your oral hygiene, oral tissue and personal habits, your dentist will help you to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. For those men and women considering dental implants and are currently smokers, your dentist will likely advise you to quit before undergoing the MDI procedure, as smokers face a higher risk of implant failure.

With several implant treatments available, determining which is right for requires only a quick and easy visit to your dentist. Reviewing each procedure with a dental professional will narrow down your choices and help you to find the dental implant treatment that will provide long lasting results.

Dental Implant Aftercare

Dental implantation is a safe and effective procedure designed to help men and women to replace missing teeth. Implants provide stabilization for a variety of dental prosthetics including dentures, bridges and crowns. Dental implant technology has progressed to the point where anywhere from a single tooth to a full set of teeth can be replaced. However the implant is only the beginning. In order to get long lasting results, it is important for all patients to follow the proper aftercare suggestions. 

On the day of treatment, if receiving a traditional implant, it is recommended that you bring an escort with you, as the anesthetic may impair your ability to drive. Following treatment, cold liquids can be consumed almost immediately and solid foods can be consumed after the effects of the anesthetic have worn off. Hot liquids however, should be completely avoided. 

For the first few days following the dental implant treatment, patients will experience pain in the affected area; swelling is another side effect that may be experienced. Your dentist will recommend avoiding demanding physical activities such as sports, as well as common irritants such as alcohol, nicotine, and black tea, for the first three days after the procedure. About a week after your initial procedure, a follow up visit with your dentist will help to determine a course of action moving forward. 

In order to increase the duration of the life of your implant, it is highly recommended that patients are exceedingly thorough when cleaning their teeth in order to avoid implant inflammation (periimplantitis) and the accumulation of film. Smoking, insufficient oral hygiene and sugar-induced tooth decay can all increase the risk of inflammation on or around the implant, and therefore should be avoided. 

Once your implant treatment is complete, patients are encouraged to visit the dentist no fewer than 1-2 times per year for check-ups (check-ups should be more frequent if you are at increased risk for implant inflammation). During each visit, your dentist will examine the implant and the surrounding area and administer dental cleaning techniques specifically for implants. 

Following all dental implant aftercare suggestions made by your dentist as well as practicing good oral hygiene are both fundamental requirements for a long-lasting implant.