Do Dental Implants Need To Be Replaced? What You Need To Know

If you’re thinking about getting dental implants in Houston, you may have heard that they're a permanent solution for missing teeth. But is that possible? Do dental implants have to be replaced, or can they really last a lifetime? 

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In this blog from Blush Dental & Orthodontics, we’ll go over everything you need to know about dental implants. We’ll discuss how they work, how long they last, and how you can make sure that your new dental implant lasts for as long as possible. Let’s get into it! 

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Understanding The Anatomy Of A Dental Implant

Before we discuss the lifespan of dental implants, it’s important to understand the anatomy of dental implants, and how they work to replace missing teeth in your mouth permanently. There are three basic components that make up most dental implants, as follows:

• Dental implant – This is a screw-shaped piece of titanium metal that’s surgically implanted into your gums and jaw bone. Over time, this piece of titanium has the unique ability to bond with your bone tissue. This process, called “osseointegration,” locks the implant in place permanently. Essentially, the dental implant will become a permanent and natural part of your mouth.
  
  
• Abutment – This is a small metal component that’s attached to the top of your dental implant a few weeks before your final restoration. The abutment allows your dental crown or other dental implant restoration to attach to the underlying dental implant.
  
  
• Implant restoration – Dental crowns are the most common type of implant restoration. In a single-tooth implant, one dental implant and one crown are used to replace a missing tooth. However, multiple dental implants can also be used to support a dental bridge or even a full set of implant-supported dentures.
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The Lifespan Of Dental Implants – Replace Missing Teeth Permanently!

So, can dental implants really last a lifetime? The short answer is “yes,” but there are still a few other things you should know about the lifespan of dental implants. Let’s get into the details.

If you care for your new dental implant properly, you can expect the implant post to last 30 years or longer. As mentioned, the metal post will integrate with your bone tissue and become a natural part of your mouth. As long as the surrounding bone and gum tissue stays healthy, it will not fail, and it will continue to support your implant restoration for a very long time. For many patients, this means they’ll keep their implant for the rest of their lives.

However, it’s important to note that this does not necessarily apply to the dental implant restoration (false tooth) attached to your implant. Like a natural tooth, your dental crown or other implant restoration will be exposed to wear and tear. When you chew and bite, it may weaken and eventually fail.

This doesn't happen very often, though. Dental implant restorations can last between 10-20 years, depending on how well you care for and maintain your smile. Once your dental implant restoration finally does wear out, it’s also easy for Dr. Rashmi Poreddy to make a new one and attach it to your dental implant.
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What You Need To Know About Dental Implant Maintenance

If you have one or more single-tooth implants, you can treat them just like regular teeth. Brush twice a day for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste, floss once a day, and maintain a healthy diet that’s low in sugar, simple starches, and processed foods.

For dental implant restorations like implant bridges and implant-supported dentures, you’ll need to follow some special care steps to clean the area beneath your restoration and keep your mouth clean. This may take some getting used to at first, but it’s pretty easy to integrate the necessary steps into your daily routine.

It’s also important to come to Blush Dental & Orthodontics for implant maintenance as part of your six-month preventive visit. During this time, Dr. Poreddy will check on your implant and your implant restoration and make sure everything looks good. Our team will also clean your natural teeth and your implants to keep your smile healthy.
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Why Do Dental Implants Fail?

As mentioned, it’s pretty rare for dental implants to fail. And if they do, it usually happens pretty soon after the initial dental surgery. Most dental implant failures are related to improper surgical techniques, poor care after surgery, or issues with oral hygiene. Here are a few reasons why a dental implant may fail.

• Poor bone density – If you do not have enough bone structure to accommodate an implant, it may not heal properly, leading to implant failure. The best way to avoid this is to use a bone graft to strengthen the implant site before surgery.
  
  
• Peri-implantitis (infection) – Peri-implantitis is an infection of the gum tissue near your dental implant. Peri-implantitis may occur after surgery if you don’t follow your recovery instructions. It can also happen much later if you’re not maintaining proper oral hygiene and you develop a gum infection near your implant.

• Lifestyle factors – Some lifestyle factors like smoking can also dramatically raise your risk of dental implant failure, both immediately after surgery and after you’ve completed your dental implant treatment. Uncontrolled diabetes is also associated with a higher risk of dental implant failure.

• Wear and tear – Since it’s deeply anchored into your gums and jaw bone, your dental implant will not fail due to wear and tear. However, your dental crown or other dental restoration may break, loosen, or fail over time as you bite, chew, eat, and live your daily life.
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Learn More About Dental Implants In Houston – Come To Blush Dental Today!

Dental implants are the best way to permanently restore one or more missing teeth in Houston. With proper care, your new smile will last you for the rest of your life. And if you’re interested in learning more and finding out if you’re a good candidate for dental implants, the team at Blush Dental is here to help. So don’t wait. To take the first steps toward permanently restoring your smile, you can contact us online or schedule your implant consultation by phone at (832) 930-7803.