The recent Oral Health Tracker survey has shown that only one third of Australians brush their teeth at least twice a day. This has contributed to an increased level of tooth decay and tooth loss across the country.

As a result, treatments such dentures and dental bridges were undertaken to replace missing teeth. However, in more recent times, dental implants have become a more popular procedure as they are permanent and last a long time. The restoration attached to the implant can also match your surrounding teeth perfectly in shape and colour.

Our team had a closer look at the treatment option and the question how long does a dental implant last.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant can replace the tooth root of a missing tooth. The implant itself is a piece of titanium that is shaped liked a screw. During the procedure, your dentist surgically inserts the implant directly into your jaw where the root of your missing tooth was.

During the healing phase, your bone will grow around the metal implant. As a result, this will enable the implant to become stable and serve as the root for your implant crown or bridge restoration.

Once your bone has fused with the implant, your dentist will attach an implant crown or implant bridge . This restoration will seamlessly replace your missing tooth and complement your smile.

Furthermore, dental implants can also secure a denture in place.

Advantages of dental implants

There are many benefits of a dental implant. Many patients undertake the treatment to avoid replacing their missing teeth with dentures.

We have outlined several advantages of dental implants below.

Implants can improve your speech

Unlike dentures, dental implant restorations allow you to speak clearly and fluently without worrying about your teeth slipping or falling out. Poorly fitted dentures may cause you to slur or mumble your words.

Implants make it easier for you to eat

In most cases, sliding dentures make it very difficult to chew food. Implant restorations act as if you never had a missing tooth in the first place and provide all the same functions as a freshly grown tooth. As a result, this allows you to enjoy your favourite foods without any complications.

High success rate

Like all dental treatments the rate of success of a procedure varies from patient to patient. However, a dental implant procedure is known to have a success rate of up to 98%. As a result, the implants can last a long time, depending on how well you maintain your daily oral health.

Convenience

Once a dental implant has been fitted, it stays in place permanently just like a normal tooth. As a permanent solution, implants eliminate the process of removing or replacing your dentures frequently.

How long does a dental implant last?

If you take proper care of your dental implants after your procedure, they can last for over 25 years. Implants are warrantied for ten years after placement providing you receive yearly maintenance. The exceptions on warranty are poor oral hygiene and smoking. To ensure you get the most out of your dental implants you should:

• Floss and brush your teeth at least twice a day for a minimum of 2 minutes
• See your dentist every six months
• Avoid biting on hard objects and foods
• Maintaining good overall health of your body

Other circumstances that can reduce the lifespan of your dental implant are:

• Excessive smoking and drinking
• Disease
• Osteoporosis and the use of medication to treat it
• Bad oral hygiene

Ultimately, your dentist will discuss this with you to ensure you get the most out of your dental implants. In addition, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss, so it is important to see your dentist regularly to monitor your oral health.

How to know if your implants need to be checked?

Complications with a dental implant procedure are rare and can be easily resolved. However, even though the procedure has a high success rate, issues can still occur. Some of the main issues after your treatment may include:

• Infection around the implant
• The implant may become loose or even falls out
• Tissues or nerve damage to your gums
• Sinus problems, if placed your upper jaw
• Your gums can become inflamed due to bacteria infection or biting too much

We recommend to our patients as part of their dental implant warranty to attend 12-monthly implant reviews at our practice. This enables us to keep track of your implant development and allows us to identify potential issues at an early stage.

Dental implants at Dental Implants & Aesthetics

Dr Franck Page and Dr Dinos Kountouras offer dental implant treatment at our Dental Implants & Aesthetics practice in Southport.

Dr Franck Page also offers dental implant procedures under general anaesthesic at the Gold Coast Private Hospital. Please contact our friendly team to find out more on (07) 5503 1701. Alternatively, you can book a consultation appointment with Dr Franck Page online 24/7.