Designed to replace a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth, dental implants should be durable, functional, and long-lasting. That’s why we use high-quality titanium dental implants at Oasis Dental Studio – specially crafted to suit each patient’s teeth.
Although good-quality dental implants are designed to be long-lasting, there are some factors that can influence their durability. So, how long can dental implants last? Read on to find out!
Firstly, what are titanium dental implants?
Titanium dental implants can functionally and aesthetically replace missing teeth. Rooted directly into the jawbone, they provide a highly stable and resilient result. They can be designed to suit the shape, size and colour that each unique patient will need.
Titanium, known for its exceptional strength, lightness, and biocompatibility, is the material of choice for dental implants. Its ability to integrate well with bone tissue, (a process known as osseointegration), ensures that the implant becomes a stable part of the jawbone. This integration is essential for a successful implant process, as it mimics the natural root structure of teeth, providing a solid foundation for the replacement tooth.
How durable are titanium dental implants?
Titanium is a much-loved material of choice by many dentists – and for good reason. It has shown high durability and has a high success rate for dental implant procedures.
The lifespan of titanium dental implants can be impressively long, often lasting several decades or even a lifetime, under ideal conditions. However, the time frame that dental implants can last will vary from patient to patient – some implants can last a lifetime without any issues, while others may encounter issues sooner.
The longevity of dental implants will really come down to a variety of factors, and not just the material properties of titanium itself. Durability, as well as a result of the strong properties of titanium, can come down to the specific surgical techniques used in implant placement, and the patient’s dedication to maintaining oral health.
While factors such as oral hygiene, surgical techniques, lifestyle habits, and bone quality influence the longevity of the implants, advances in dental technology still continue to improve the success rates of implant treatments. At Oasis Dental Studio, we stay up to date with improvements in dental technology, striving to provide the highest quality of treatments possible.
Your dentist’s technique
The surgical placement of the dental implant plays a significant role in its long-term success.
The experience level and knowledge of your dentist, the precision of the placement, and the initial stability of the implant are all important when it comes to lasting results.
Our dentists at Oasis Dental Studio in Gold Coast, Brisbane and Pottsville are highly experienced and use techniques that help to improve results, minimise complications and make the process more efficient.
Implants placed with optimal alignment, relative to the jawbone, can be less likely to face complications and are more likely to have a successful result. Advances in dental technology have also further improved the accuracy of implant placement, supporting longer-term results.
Jawbone quality
Adequate bone density and volume are necessary for the stability and integration of the implant. The quality of the jawbone into which the implant is placed will need to be thoroughly assessed before undergoing a dental implant procedure.
Some patients need bone grafting before having a dental implant placed. If patients do need bone grafting, their dentist would then explain the process in further detail. Bone grafting can supply enough bone density to support the implant, which will improve the success of the implant, and sustain its longevity.
A patient’s need for bone grafting will always be carefully assessed during a consultation, before starting the implant process.
Avoiding excessive force during aftercare
Following aftercare instructions will also help the longevity of dental implants. Dentists will usually recommend avoiding chewing hard foods, and taking measures to prevent damaging the new implant (such as temporarily avoiding contact sports).
Avoiding applying too much pressure or causing damage to a newly placed implant will, of course, make it last longer.
Preventing excessive pressure on the new tooth can also come down to the dentist’s technique. Ensuring that dental implants and their components are designed to distribute the force of chewing evenly is essential to prevent overloading and potential implant failure.
Innovative implant designs, such as All-On-4, have also been designed to better distribute force when multiple teeth need to be replaced.
Oral hygiene practices and dental health
The success and longevity of dental implants can largely depend on the patient’s commitment to maintaining good oral hygiene.
Daily brushing and flossing, along with regular dental check-ups, will help to prevent complications that can shorten the lifespan of the implant. Consistent oral care, and early intervention in case of any issues, are essential to prolonging the life of dental implants.
Part of the dental implant process should include a brief explanation of how to follow a good dental hygiene routine, particularly to accommodate a new dental implant. Our team at Oasis Dental Studio will always make sure that patients know how to correctly care for their teeth after a treatment.
Longer-term lifestyle habits
Another important factor influencing the longevity of titanium dental implants is the patient’s lifestyle and habits.
Smoking, for instance, has been shown to adversely affect the healing process and increase the risk of implant failure. The chemicals in tobacco can impair blood flow to the gums and bone, slowing down the osseointegration process and making the implant more susceptible to infection and bone loss.
Similarly, patients with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, may experience delayed healing and an increased risk of complications – although, with proper management, these patients can still achieve good results.
Why choose Oasis Dental Studio?
Our experienced dentists at Oasis Dental Studio take a comprehensive approach to dental care.
Not only do we perform dental implant procedures with effective techniques and high-quality implants, we ensure that our patients know how to care for their teeth, and achieve results that align with their personal needs.
You can visit us on the Gold Coast, Brisbane, or Pottsville. To learn more about us, our dental treatments or how to book a consultation, please contact our team!