Considering dental implants? One of the most common questions we hear is about their lifespan. Dental implants are popular for those looking to replace missing teeth, offering a durable, long-lasting solution. Let’s delve into how long dental implants can last and the factors influencing their longevity.

The Lifespan of Dental Implants

Dental implants are considered permanent tooth replacements because they integrate directly with the jawbone, becoming enmeshed with surrounding bone tissue through a process called osseointegration. Healthline states, “When osseointegration is complete, the material of the implant and the surrounding bone have fused.”

“With successful osseointegration, the dental implant will serve as an artificial tooth root, forming a solid foundation for a prosthetic tooth.” While the implant is permanent, the dental crown attached to it at the end of the implant process may need to be replaced due to normal wear and tear, according to Healthline. The dental crowns, however, should last ten years or longer when placed by a highly skilled Anchorage, Alaska, restorative dentist.

Factors Affecting Implant Longevity

While it’s rare for a dental implant to fail, the most common causes of implant failure are:

  1. Insufficient care and maintenance: Implants cannot get cavities, but they can develop plaque, which can lead to gum disease that affects your gums and your jawbone. To avoid dental implant failure, it’s important to brush and floss as you would with natural teeth and have regular checkups at your dentist’s office.
  2. Insufficient bone: Your dentist will determine if you have enough jawbone to handle dental implants, but if your bone loss increases over time, your implant may fail. Osteoporosis and other medical conditions that affect bone health may play a role in dental implant failure.
  3. Smoking: Smokers are much more prone to implant failure than nonsmokers because smoking interferes with blood flow to the areas of the implants. Smoking also is a risk factor for gum disease, and gum disease, especially advanced periodontal disease, may cause implants to fail.
  4. Age: Age also plays a part in implant success/failure. If your Anchorage, Alaska, implant dentist feels you’re not a viable candidate for implants due to age, other tooth replacement options will be discussed.

In the second point, it was pointed out that medical conditions may affect implant success or failure. Here are the most common medical conditions that present challenges to dental implant patients:

  • Bleeding disorders
  • Weakened immune system
  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Atherosclerosis
  • Congestive heart failure

Please don’t let this list prevent you from contacting an Anchorage implant dentist. Your implant dentist will thoroughly evaluate, obtain a complete medical history, and use the most advanced technology available today to evaluate your dental health.

What to Do If Your Implant Fails

Highly skilled implant dentists can fix the problems caused by poorly placed dental implants. There are numerous options to restore your smile and correct the embarrassing problem of tooth loss. When you’re with the best dental implant dentist in Anchorage, you can have a beautiful smile, eat all the foods you love, and get the life back you’ve lost due to the problem of missing teeth.

Exploring Dental Implant Options in Anchorage, Alaska

Implant dentist Dr. Kendall Skinner is thrilled to offer many tooth replacement options at Excellence in Dentistry, serving Anchorage and surrounding areas. Please call him today (907) 349-0022, or you may fill out our online contact form. One of our amazing dental team members will reach out to answer questions or schedule a new patient evaluation. Dental implants can last a lifetime. You deserve to have the smile you’ve always wanted.