Before undergoing the procedure of dental implant placement, many people want to know: Are dental implants permanent? In this article, we discuss the longevity of various implant components and guide on maintaining your dental prosthetics to prolong their lifespan.
Are Dental Implants Permanent?
There are two main parts of the appliance that most people think of as dental implants:
- The implants themselves are metal screw-like posts surgically inserted into the jawbone. These posts fuse with the bone after the initial dental implant procedure and act similarly to the roots of our natural teeth. These posts are permanent and ideally will last for decades or even a lifetime unless the implant fails due to oral health issues, such as gum disease, general health considerations, or trauma.
- The crowns attached to the implants serve both chewing and aesthetic functions. The crowns are typically made of porcelain, zirconia, or a combination of porcelain and metal. These materials are durable and stain-resistant, but they are not invincible and will wear off with time. The average life span of a dental crown is 10 to 15 years. Thus, crowns attached to implants are not permanent and will need to be replaced eventually.
Signs That Crowns Attached to the Implants Need to Be Replaced
- Crowns are stained or discolored.
- There are cracks or chips in the crowns.
- Crowns feel loose
- Crowns feel uncomfortable in the way they fit among the rest of your teeth or when you chew food.
- There is a gap between the crown and the gum.
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth (might signify that food residue and bacteria get trapped underneath the crown if its integrity is broken)
- Gums around the crown are swollen, red, or bleeding.
Signs of Dental Implant Failure
There are two types of dental implant failure: early failure (which happens within a few months after the placement) and late failure (years after the placement).
Early failure can happen because:
- The implant did not properly fuse with the jawbone.
- Infection
- suboptimal surgical technique and improper placement during the initial procedure
Late implant failure can happen due to:
- Peri-implantitis or gum disease—inflammatory conditions that affect the gum tissue and the jawbone (often caused by insufficient oral hygiene)
- Trauma
- Repeated and excessive strain put on the implant by bruxism (involuntary teeth grinding) or improper bite alignment
- Insufficient bone density or gradual bone density loss due to age or general health considerations, such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases
- Smoking
Signs that your implants are failing and require medical attention include:
- Pain, swelling, or bleeding of the gums in the area of the implant (can be accompanied by fever in cases of acute infection)
- Swelling in the jaw or face on the side of the implant
- Loose and unstable implants
- Enlarged periodontal pockets around the implant (spaces between the gum and the implant) or receding gums
How to Take Care of Implants to Have Them Last Longer
There are several essential rules we recommend following to keep your implants in good condition for years to come:
- Good oral health is key: build an efficient hygiene routine and schedule regular checkups and professional cleanings at your dental office.
- Abstain from smoking
- Address the issue of bruxism, if present, as soon as possible.
- Protect your implants from physical damage by avoiding hard, crunchy, and sticky foods, refraining from using your teeth as tools, and wearing a mouthguard if you participate in contact or extreme sports.
- Monitor your general health and have a balanced diet that supports bone health and regeneration.
Get Dental Implants at Baseline Dental
Do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced dentist at Baseline Dental to get high-quality and reliable dental implants that will serve you for years to come. We are looking forward to your visit to our dental office.
