How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
How long do dental implants last? If you are asking yourself this question, then we have the answers for you. Here's what you need to know.
By age 50, Americans have lost an average of 12 teeth. Among adults ages 65 to 74, 26% have lost all their teeth. Dental implants can restore your smile, ensuring functionality!
How long do dental implants last, and what factors can affect their longevity? Read on to learn more from your dentist in Tarrytown, NY!
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants are designed as a permanent solution to tooth loss. Dental implant surgery involves fusing the implant into your jawbone. During the dental implant recovery process, osseointegration occurs.
Osseointegration ensures the implant bonds with surrounding bone tissue.
Once osseointegration is complete, the implant material and surrounding bone are fully fused together. The implant is then able to serve as an artificial tooth root. It becomes a solid foundation for a prosthetic tooth (crown).
Dental implants have a 90 to 95% success rate over a period of 10 years.
However, a dental implant could fail a few months or years after it's placed. The crown might need replacement due to wear and tear. About
50 to 80% of dental crowns require replacement every 15 to 20 years.
Longevity Factors
Your lifestyle will affect the longevity of your dental implant.
If you experience issues with your dental implant, search for "a dentist near me" right away. Your local dentist can recommend dental services to improve the longevity of your implant. If the implant experienced excessive wear, your Tarrytown dentist might recommend replacing the crown instead.
Here are a few factors that might cause implant failure.
Insufficient Care
Nearly 26% of adults ages 20 to 44 have untreated cavities. Another 25% between the ages of 45 and 64 also have untreated dental caries. Meanwhile, only 64% of adults in the US have scheduled dental cleanings or exams in the past year.
If you haven't visited a dentist in Tarrytown, NY recently, schedule an appointment. You should visit your local dentist every six months for a routine cleaning. Routine appointments can help your dentist assess your dental care needs.
For example, they might determine that you require dental services like scaling and root planing (SRP). SRP, or deep cleaning, is essential if you have gum disease.
When left untreated, gum disease can damage your gums and jawbone. Your gums might recede from the gum line. As the infection spreads, you could lose a tooth.
If you have a dental implant, gum disease could affect its longevity.
When plaque and bacteria build around an implant, it's called peri-implant disease. The early stages are reversible. Left untreated, the advanced stage (peri-implantitis) can lead to implant failure.
Between dentist appointments, prioritize your oral health. Make sure to:
- Brush twice a day
- Floss daily
- Limit your intake of sugar
Look for emergency dentistry in Tarrytown, NY if your gums bleed or recede. They'll determine if you have gum disease.
Insufficient Bone
An endosteal dental implant needs to remain anchored to your jawbone. You could experience implant failure if there's not enough jawbone present.
Before your dental implant procedure, your dentist should examine your jawbone. For example, they might use 3D modeling and X-rays. These dental services will determine the quality of your jawbone.
If there's insufficient jawbone, your dentist might recommend sinus lifting or bone grafting.
However, bone loss can also occur after the procedure due to:
- Medical conditions
- Osteoporosis
- Peri-implant disease
Keep up with routine appointments at your Tarrytown, NY dental office. Routine appointments will allow your dentist to assess your jawbone's health. They'll recognize the early signs of issues that might affect your implant.
Teeth Grinding
Grinding your teeth could:
- Fracture the crown
- Fracture the screw
- Loosen the screw
- Fracture the implant
Occlusal trauma can damage the crown or screw as well.
Tiny movements due to trauma or grinding will interfere with the osseointegration process. If you have bruxism, talk to your dentist in Tarrytown, NY. They can recommend dental services like a custom-fitted mouthguard.
Age
Healing during the dental implant recovery process is slower in older patients. Older patients are also more likely to have bone or underlying medical conditions.
Talk to your dentist about alternative treatment options. They'll determine if you're an ideal candidate for implant surgery.
Medical Conditions
Some medication conditions are associated with dental implant failure, such as:
- Bleeding disorders
- Diabetes
- Osteoporosis
- A weakened immune system
- Cardiovascular disorders
If you're diagnosed with one of these conditions after your dental implant surgery, talk to your local dentist.
Let your dentist know if you're taking medications. Immunosuppressive drugs and blood-thinning medications can cause implant failure.
Smoking
Your dental implant could fail if you smoke. Smoking can interfere with blood flow to the treatment area. It could affect the osseointegration process.
Smoking can also interfere with your body's ability to heal during the dental implant recovery process. Your risk of gum disease will also increase.
Inexperienced Dentists
Before your dental implant surgery, make sure you find the best dentist in Tarrytown, NY. Look for someone with years of experience completing the dental implant procedure. Otherwise, implant failure can occur due to:
- Improper implant placement
- Poorly designed implants
- Attaching the crown too soon
- Tissue trauma during the procedure
Finding an experienced, qualified dentist can reduce your risk of complications.
Signs of Issues
Visit an emergency dentist in Tarrytown, NY if you experience issues with your dental implant. For example:
- The implant moves
- Pain when chewing or biting
- Signs of peri-implantitis
Signs of peri-implantitis include pus, receding gums, bleeding, swelling, and redness. If these symptoms sound familiar, look for emergency dentistry services right away.
Talk to Your Tarrytown, NY Dentist Today
To recap, how long do dental implants last? Though they're designed to last a lifetime, certain lifestyle factors can affect their longevity. Prioritize your oral health to maintain your implant for years to come.
If you experience issues, visit your Tarrytown, NY dentist right away.
Need to talk to a Tarrytown dentist about your dental implant? We can help.
Contact us today if you have any issues with your dental implant.
Dr. Rohit Z Patel
D.D.S
After graduating at the top of his class, Dr. Patel continued his postgraduate studies in endodontics at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in New York. He was appointed to assistant clinical professor of dentistry at Columbia University and later moved on to teach at the Montefiore Medical Center’s Department of Dentistry. Westchester Magazine recognized Dr. Patel as a “Top Dentist for 2012.”
Dr. Yung Kim
D.D.S
Dr. Yung Kim is a double board certified Periodontist and board certified Prosthodontist, educated to treat many extremely complex disorders involving gum disease, tooth decay, and oral pathology. His focus is on full-mouth, complex, surgical, and reconstructive dentistry. He has extensive knowledge of implant dentistry and advanced surgical procedures, specializing in teeth in a day and All-on-Four implants. He is also Invisalign certified and experienced with CAD/CAM restorations and dentures.
Dr. Brendan Gallagher
D.D.S
Dr. Brendan Gallagher is dedicated to providing safe, compassionate, and reliable surgical care while keeping communication clear and timely with referring offices. He values building strong partnerships with colleagues to ensure the very best care for patients. Outside of practice, Dr. Gallagher enjoys mentoring upcoming dentists through social media and podcasting. He also enjoys running, trying new craft beers and spending time with friends and family. You can find Dr. Gallagher at our Brewster, Tarrytown and Mount Vernon locations.
Dr. Santvana Vyas
D.D.S
Dr Vyas attended NYU College of Dentistry and earned DDS in 2016 at the top of her class. She was inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU), the national dental honor society and earned Outstanding Achievement Award in study of Prosthodontics.
Dr Vyas is an active member of American College of Prosthodontics (ACP) and American Dental Association (ADA). She is appointed as a Clinical Assistant Professor at NYU College of Dentistry. She is married and is blessed with two sons.
Dr. Gianna DeMase
D.D.S
Dr. DeMase received her undergraduate degree from Binghamton University where she double-majored in Biology and Spanish. She then earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from New York University College of Dentistry where she graduated with honors in periodontics. After dental school, Dr. DeMase completed a General Practice Residency at Jacobi Medical Center, a level one trauma hospital. Here, she participated in community outreach in the women’s health clinic and taught medical students how to do oral exams. She also worked with special needs patients in Jacobi’s Rose F. Kennedy Center. Dr. DeMase remains committed to being active in the community.
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Dr. DeMase has experience in cavity restoration, endodontics, oral surgery, oral pathology, and prosthodontics including implant restorations.
She highly values patient education and always ensures your comfort and understanding of the treatment. She strongly believes in patient centered care and therefore tailors each treatment plan to you and your needs. As a member of the American Dental Association, Dr. DeMase is always aware of the latest studies and developments in the dental field and strives to apply them to her practice. In her spare time, she can usually be found with a book in her hands.
