If you’re considering getting an implant, you’ll likely be curious to find out how long it will last and what you can do to increase its lifespan. To satisfy your curiosity, we’ve answered all your questions in this blog.
A dental implant is placed deep inside your jawbone, where it fuses strongly with the surrounding bone and replaces a missing tooth root. A crown, bridge, or denture is then placed on top of it to restore your smile and appearance. Considering that it is anchored so tightly in your jaw and resembles your natural tooth so closely, it is only natural to expect an implant to last forever. And more often than not, it can last a lifetime without causing any problems. The success rate of dental implants has been reported to be remarkably high, a whopping 90%-95% over a period of ten years.
However, an implant can fail months or even years after it is placed. Keep reading to explore in detail the reasons for dental implant failure, how to avoid them, and what to do in the case of an implant failure.
The health and stability of the bone that houses the implant are considered the most important factors in determining its long-term success. A number of factors can affect the health of your jawbone.
Implant failure is often attributed to failed osseointegration within several weeks to months after implant placement and is usually due to:
Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease and compromise the longevity of the implant. It can cause bacteria to seep from your teeth into the soft tissue and bone around your implant. Bacterial invasion of the structures surrounding your implant can lead to peri-implantitis, a condition that is severely destructive to the health and life of your implant.
During your initial appointment, your dentist will inspect your mouth for any signs of ongoing gum disease before proceeding with implant treatment. An untreated infection may spread and grow around the implant, increasing the risk of complications down the road.
The quality and quantity of bone are factors that can influence implant stability and outcome. A low bone density can significantly impact the prognosis and survival rate of your implant. Without a sufficient amount of bone available to support a titanium post, it may become challenging to achieve good implant stability.
Using advanced imaging technology at Blanc Dentaire, including Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), your dentist will perform an initial radiographic examination of your jaw to assess whether you have enough bone to support an implant. This may include several X-rays and 3D models of your teeth and jaw. They will then use a digital planning software (DICOM) that will merge your digital impressions with your CBCT scans. This will allow them to effectively design the shape of your final restoration and determine the best position for its placement in your jaw. If you do not have enough bone, you will need additional treatments to improve your chances of success.
Bone loss can also occur over time after you’ve received your implants and make them unstable. This can be caused by any condition that affects your bone health, including osteoporosis and uncontrolled diabetes.
Lifestyle choices like smoking tobacco products and drinking too much alcohol can affect the health of your implants and reduce their lifespan. Let’s see how.
Smoking
Smoking can interrupt and slow down your body’s natural process of wound healing. This can affect the ability of your jawbone to grow around and integrate with the dental implant, jeopardizing its survival.
Alcohol
The consumption of excessive alcohol has been linked to an increase in peri-implantitis, a condition that destroys the bone and gum tissue surrounding a dental implant. However, this does not mean that you can’t enjoy a drink or two occasionally. If you drink in moderation, your implants are unlikely to be affected.
If not addressed prior to implant placement, a teeth-clenching habit can cost you your implants. Grinding your teeth unconsciously can exert unstable force and pressure on your implant and increase the risk of failure. A study done in 2023 showed that people with the habit of bruxism are more likely to suffer the loss of their implants.
Diseases that affect bone health, such as osteoporosis, can affect the bone healing process and implant stability. Patients with osteoporosis have a poorer ability to heal wounds and, hence, are at an increased risk of developing wound infections. This, in turn, compromises the long-term health and success rate of their dental implants.
The medications prescribed for osteoporosis, typically bisphosphonates, also affect the implant’s binding ability to the bone (osseointegration).
Uncontrolled diabetes can also decrease implant success, as it affects the process of osseointegration and increases the risk of developing peri-implantitis. Poorly controlled diabetes also increases the risk of implant failure.
Research suggests that the chances of implant failure are higher in older individuals. Patients older than 60 years of age generally have poor systemic health and thus have a slower wound-healing ability compared to younger individuals. Their bones are less strong, making implant placement less favorable.
Although the process of getting dental implants is somewhat lengthy and expensive compared to other restorative options, its long-term benefits far outweigh the downsides. Our team of highly skilled and experienced dentists works hard to make sure that your dental implant surgery procedure goes smoothly and provides you with new teeth that will last you a lifetime. If you need replacement teeth and are still unsure about getting dental implants, we have listed below some of the advantages they can provide you with. To find out if you are a suitable candidate for implants, you can contact us here or pop into one of our clinics located in Côte des Neiges and Hampstead, Montreal, for a consultation.
Implants are more stable and thus more likely to be successful in the lower jaw than in the upper jaw. This is attributed to the better bone density and quality of the lower jaw, which provides better support for implants. Research suggests that implants located in the upper jaw are more prone to failure than implants in the lower jaw.
Not all implant brands are backed by the same amount of research and success. Some knock-off brands lack the extensive research and long-term data that companies like Straumann provide. This can lead to potential problems and uncertainties in the longevity and success of the implant in the long run.
In the diverse field of advanced implant systems, brands like Straumann are a stalwart example of successful and reliable implants. Renowned for their cutting-edge research and long-term durability, Straumann has established a track record of excellence. It offers a wide range of implant designs to meet diverse patient needs.
Patient satisfaction and treatment success are our top priorities. At Blanc Dentaire, we strive to provide you with the highest-quality care and exclusively utilize premium implant brands like Straumann. If you seek the highest quality of care in Montreal, do not hesitate to reach out to us. Call us today at (514)-933-3368 or (514)-564-4554.
Studies show that dental implants placed by inexperienced clinicians suffered more complications and underwent a higher failure rate. An inexperienced dentist can increase the chances of your implant failing by either giving you a poorly designed implant, using improper implant placement techniques, or causing trauma to your tissues during the dental implant procedure. They can also jeopardize the stability of your implant by not giving the implant enough time to heal before attaching the artificial tooth (the abutment) to it.
The factors mentioned above highlight the importance of preventing an infection throughout the implant treatment process and after the implant has been placed. At Blanc Dentaire, we prioritize patient safety above all else. Our dentists are equipped with the skills, expertise, and technology needed to ensure successful treatment outcomes by tailoring implant solutions to each individual’s unique needs.
The long-term success of your implants depends largely on how well you look after the health of the supporting structures, the gums, and the bone surrounding the implant.
Usually, when patients newly get their dental implants, they either become overly cautious about maintaining the health of their new implants and practice an overzealous oral hygiene regime, or they do not take good care of their teeth out of fear they might damage the implants. Both of these situations can damage the health of your implants and affect their long-term stability and success. To protect your implants and guarantee good results, it is important that you carefully follow the instructions of your dentist.
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is key to ensuring that your implants stay in good health and last for years to come. For this reason, it is important that you practice a meticulous and effective home care regime. To maintain the good health of your implants and help you reap the many benefits they have to offer, we’ve listed some easy-to-follow steps that you can follow.
Dental implants are more susceptible to damage than natural teeth if they are not cleaned properly. The accumulation of plaque and food debris around the implant can damage the surrounding gum and bone tissue holding it in place.
Although this may seem like a no-brainer, the importance of brushing daily and using the right technique cannot be stressed enough. Brush twice daily, using either a soft manual brush, an electric brush, or a sonic brush. You can also use tufted brushes to help you clean hard-to-reach areas.
Some foods might get stuck between your teeth and in areas that aren’t easily accessible with a toothbrush. These tiny crevices can trap food particles and become breeding grounds for bacteria, potentially wreaking havoc on the health of your teeth and dental implants.
Flossing between the teeth is a great way to clean these areas. Many different aids, such as flosses, interproximal cleaners, and water irrigation systems, are commercially available and are safe for use around implants and ceramic crowns.
In addition to brushing and flossing, you can also use other cleaning devices, such as a water irrigation system, also known as a water flosser, oral irrigator, or dental water jet. A water flosser is a very helpful cleaning tool that ejects a stream of water that can remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth. Carefully positioning the stream in between your teeth or horizontally can help you effectively clean these areas and the gumline.
Dental hygiene maintenance is crucial for the success of your implants and the rest of your teeth. Show up for your regular dental appointments so your dentist can examine your oral health and take a look at the state of your implants. They will professionally clean your teeth if need be. This easy step can work wonders for a patient to prevent issues with their implants in the long run.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and prioritizing your general well-being will go a long way toward keeping your dental implants functioning well. Try to steer clear of tobacco and tobacco products, avoid drinking excessively, and maintain a healthy diet rich in nutritious foods.
When it comes to your dental health, nothing is more important than choosing an experienced and reputable dentist who can provide you with the highest quality of care that you deserve. Dental implants can be quite an investment, and we want to make sure that you settle for nothing less than ‘forever.’
To prevent any possible complications with your implants, you want to make sure that you seek a highly qualified and experienced dentist. If you’re located in Canada, you need to look no further than Dr. Dan Munteanu, DDS. Given his exceptional clinical skills and esteemed reputation, you can rest assured that you’re in good hands and that you will receive the best dental care, ensuring safety and quality.
You can experience extraordinary dental care at Blanc Dentaire, where Dr Dan employs his expertise, the latest technology, and premium materials to provide you with results that are nothing short of amazing. If you’re interested in dental implant surgery, don’t hesitate to book your appointment today.
It’s important to see your dentist or periodontist if you experience any symptoms that suggest a failing implant. Some potential signs of implant failure to look out for include:
In the case of a failed implant, your dentist will create a personalized treatment plan that considers all relevant factors unique to your condition. You will then be informed about all the possible treatment options available and asked to provide consent for the alternative best suited to your specific needs.
An implant that has failed can be painlessly removed using local anesthesia. In some cases, it can also be replaced successfully. Research shows a 71% success rate for a single dental implant replacement.
If you have suffered bone loss around your implant, a bone graft may be necessary to regenerate the bone tissue prior to placing a new implant. In such cases, it may take several months before you can receive a new implant. If significant bone loss has not occurred, peri-implantitis may be treated without removing your implant. Your dentist will carry out a thorough cleaning and decontamination of the implant and the surrounding area and put you on a course of antibiotics. If you have a failed implant that you cannot or prefer not to replace, dental bridges or dentures may be alternative treatment options that you can opt for instead.
Dental implants are meant to be a long-lasting and permanent tooth replacement solution for missing teeth. They are designed to integrate with your jawbone and create a strong bond through a process called osseointegration.
However, dental implants may fail in some instances. This can happen for various reasons. If you experience any signs of implant failure, it is important to consult with your dentist immediately. In most cases, a failed implant can be replaced, but other treatment options are also available if necessary.
For more information about implants or other dental services, you can visit our website or clinic and get in touch with our team of dentists. We are eager to answer any question or query you might have, and assist you in achieving a smile that you can flaunt with confidence in front of friends and family!
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