Dental implants, like the Fixed on X (FoX) system, are designed to be a permanent solution for missing teeth. Most implants last well beyond ten years, and with good oral hygiene and proper care, many patients find their implants last 20 years or even a lifetime.
The key to their long lifespan is their design and how they are integrated into the bone. Unlike other tooth replacement options like dentures or dental bridges, implants fuse directly with the jawbone. While options like dentures and dental crowns only replace the visible part of the tooth, dental implants both the missing tooth and its root, ensuring stability and promoting jawbone health.
However, their lifespan can still vary depending on a number of factors. While they are designed to last a long time, individual results can vary.
If you are considering dental implants and want to understand more about how long they might last for your specific situation, we encourage you to book a free consultation with our dental professionals at FoX Implant Centre. We can provide a tailored treatment plan to help you achieve optimal outcomes based on your individual needs.
While dental implants are known for their longevity, several factors can influence how long they last. This includes:
1. Lifestyle Choices
Your lifestyle plays a significant role in determining how long your dental implants will last. Habits like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption can negatively affect the healing process after implant surgery and compromise the health of your gums and jawbone.
Smoking is particularly harmful as it reduces blood flow to the gums, which can lead to complications during the healing process. It also increases the risk of infections and delays osseointegration, which is the process where the implant fuses with the jawbone. Without proper integration, the stability of the implant is compromised.
Alcohol consumption can also interfere with healing. Excessive alcohol intake may weaken the immune system, slowing down recovery and increasing the risk of complications. To give your implants the best chance of success, it’s crucial to minimise these lifestyle risks.
2. Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions can also impact the lifespan of dental implants.
One of the primary conditions that affect implant longevity is periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease. This chronic infection damages the gums and supporting bone, leading to a weakened foundation for the implant. If untreated, periodontal disease can result in bone loss around the implant, ultimately causing implant failure.
Other medical conditions that can affect implant longevity include diabetes, which can impair healing after the procedure, and osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and reduces their ability to support the implant. Additionally, autoimmune diseases and conditions that suppress the immune system may also compromise the body’s ability to integrate the implant fully, increasing the risk of complications over time.
3. Jawbone Density
The longevity of dental implants is highly dependent on jawbone density and the overall bone health in the implant area. A strong and healthy jawbone provides the necessary support for the implant’s artificial tooth root, which integrates with the bone. This integration, called osseointegration, forms a stable foundation for the titanium post that acts as the root of the implant.
When bone density is low, the stability of the implant may be compromised, affecting its ability to support the abutment and the dental crown. In cases where the bone is too weak or insufficient, a bone graft may be required to strengthen the bone tissue and ensure proper support for the implant. This step improves the chances of long-term success by providing a solid base for the titanium post.
4. The Dental Implant Procedure
The dental implant surgery itself can significantly impact the lifespan of your dental implants. Proper implant placement is critical to ensuring the implant integrates well with the surrounding bone, which is key for long-term stability. If an implant is placed incorrectly, it can lead to complications such as bone loss or implant failure.
At FoX Implant Centre, we use advanced dentistry techniques and state-of-the-art technology to enhance the accuracy of implant placement.
Explain how the implant surgery can also affect the longevity of implants. Highlight that FoX Implant Centre uses advanced technology and techniques to achieve optimal results and make the implant last longer. This precision-driven approach allows for highly accurate placement of the implant, reducing the risk of complications and improving long-term success rates.
5. The Expertise of the Dental Professional
The experience and skills of the implant dentist play a crucial role in the success and longevity of dental implants. A well-trained and experienced dentist is able to assess each patient’s unique needs and ensure that the implant is placed in the most optimal position for long-term success. This expertise minimises the risk of complications and increases the likelihood of a stable, lasting implant.
At FoX Implant Centre, our dental professionals, led by Dr Nick Trevlopoulos, bring years of extensive experience in dentistry and dental implants. Aside from experience, we are also committed to providing high-quality care that is tailored to your specific needs to ensure the best possible outcome.
6. Dental Care and Maintenance
Just like natural teeth, implants need proper dental hygiene to prevent issues such as plaque buildup, which can lead to infections around the implant site. Without regular cleaning and attention to your overall dental health, problems like peri-implantitis—an infection that affects the tissues surrounding the implant—can develop, potentially leading to implant failure.
7. Your Age and Overall Health
While age itself is not a barrier to getting implants, older patients may face challenges that can impact the success and longevity of their implants. As people age, the body’s ability to heal and regenerate tissue may slow down, which can influence how well an implant integrates with the bone.
Additionally, older adults may be more susceptible to conditions such as gum disease or other chronic health issues, which can compromise healing and implant stability.
Overall health plays a crucial role as well. Certain medical conditions, like diabetes or autoimmune disorders, can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of complications after the procedure. A weakened immune system can also make it more difficult for the implant to properly integrate with the bone, potentially shortening its lifespan.
8. Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, puts excessive pressure on the implants, which can lead to wear, damage, or even implant failure. The pressure from grinding can weaken the bone-implant connection over time, leading to complications.
Bruxism can also affect the dental crown placed on top of the implant, causing wear or damage. Unlike natural teeth, implants don’t have the same shock-absorbing qualities, making them more vulnerable to the effects of grinding.
If you are prone to grinding your teeth, using a mouthguard can help protect both your natural teeth and implants. Regular check-ups with your dentist will also help monitor any signs of bruxism and its effects on your implant.
9. Oral Hygiene Practices
The health of the surrounding gums and bone directly impacts the stability and success of the implant. This is why proper oral hygiene practices are crucial for the longevity of dental implants.
Dental implants require the same level of care as natural teeth, and any neglect can lead to serious complications over time. Poor oral hygiene can result in the accumulation of plaque and bacteria around the implant. If this buildup isn’t addressed, it can cause inflammation and infections such as peri-implantitis, a condition similar to gum disease that affects the tissues around the implant. Over time, this infection can destroy the bone that supports the implant, leading to bone loss and potentially causing the implant to loosen or fail entirely.
10. Proper Aftercare
After the dental implant surgery, your implants will go through a process called osseointegration. This is when the implant fuses with the jawbone to create a strong foundation for the artificial tooth. Any disruption during this period can affect how well the implant integrates with the bone.
This is why proper aftercare following your surgery is crucial to your implant’s long-term success. Following your dentist’s guidelines and avoiding activities that put excessive pressure on the implant site, such as chewing hard foods, is essential to protect the healing bone. Poor aftercare, such as neglecting post-surgery instructions or returning to normal habits too quickly, can disrupt osseointegration, compromising the implant’s stability over time.
To make sure your dental implants last as long as possible, it is important to adopt habits that promote good oral health and maintain your implants. Here are some tips:
Brush twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush and floss regularly to keep your implants and natural teeth clean. Flossing is particularly important to remove plaque and prevent peri-implantitis. You can also use an antibacterial mouthwash to further reduce the risk of infection.
Scheduling regular dental check-ups is crucial for monitoring the health of your teeth implants. Your dentist can identify any early signs of complications, such as inflammation or bone loss, and provide timely dental treatment to prevent these issues from escalating.
If you grind your teeth, using a mouthguard can protect your implants from excessive pressure and damage.
After surgery, it’s important to strictly adhere to your dentist’s treatment plan. This includes taking prescribed medications, avoiding certain foods, and allowing adequate time for healing. Following these guidelines ensures a smooth recovery and promotes the successful integration of the implant with the bone.
Chewing on hard or sticky foods can damage both the implant and the surrounding bone. Foods like ice, hard candies, and tough meats should be avoided to prevent unnecessary stress on the implant.
Minimise alcohol consumption and avoid smoking, as these habits can interfere with healing and negatively affect the longevity of your implants.
While dental implants have a high success rate, implant failure can still occur in some cases. It’s typically caused by factors like peri-implantitis, which is an infection around the implant, or bone loss that compromises the implant’s stability. Poor oral hygiene, smoking, and uncontrolled medical conditions can also contribute to implant failure.
Common signs of dental implant failure include persistent pain, swelling, or loosening of the implant. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to act quickly. Early intervention can prevent further complications and may save the implant.
You can book a consultation at FoX Implant Centre, where our experienced team can assess the situation and explore potential treatment options to restore your dental health and resolve any issues with the implant.
If you are considering dental implants, FoX Implant Centre is here to help. We are the only clinic in Australia offering end-to-end full mouth restoration, with all procedures done in-house. From your first consultation to X-rays, the crafting of your customised artificial tooth, and the implant surgery itself, all procedures are done under one roof. Even general anaesthesia, if necessary, is done in-house. This comprehensive approach helps us maintain high standards at every step and achieve the best possible results.
Book a free consultation today and explore how we can help restore your smile.