Dental implants are an excellent option for replacing missing teeth with healthy new natural teeth, refreshing your smile, and boosting your self-confidence.
Dental implants are made with titanium "screws" placed in the jawbone and ceramic crowns placed on them. These structures best mimic the function and aesthetics of natural teeth. Modern dental implants can last 20 to 30 years with proper care. However, this lifespan is entirely dependent on the care you take of your teeth and your oral hygiene.
Regular oral care is essential for ensuring the longevity of dental implants. Daily brushing, flossing, and periodic checkups with your dentist maintain the strength of your implants. Furthermore, with proper care, dental implants can be used comfortably like natural teeth and are highly aesthetically pleasing.
In this article, we will discuss the factors that affect the lifespan of your dental implants and how you can increase their durability. By taking the necessary steps to ensure your dental implants remain healthy for a long time, you can enjoy your smile.
How long do dental implants last Turkey?
Dental implants are designed to offer a permanent solution. According to research, 90-95 per cent of dental implants give successful results within the first 10 years. Most dental implants can last for 20 years or more. However, the implant itself usually lasts longer than the crown (the upper part of the tooth). Crowns placed over the implant may have a shorter lifespan due to daily wear and tear. Most crowns can reach a level where they need to be replaced between 10-15 years.
At Simena Dental Turkey, newly placed dental implants are expected to last 15 to 20 years before needing replacement.
After the implant screw is inserted into the jawbone, the implant, called osseointegration, is fused with the surrounding bone tissue. Thus, the implant offers long-term durability as an artificial tooth root.
As a result, dental implants offer effective and permanent solutions in the long term to replace missing teeth, but the crowns on them may need to be replaced over time.
Factors affecting the lifespan of dental implants
Oral health
Dental implants can be used for up to 30 years with proper care and hygiene. However, the length of this period is directly related to the importance given to oral health.
The gum and jawbone around the implant must be healthy. Gum diseases can prevent the implant from fusing with the jawbone. Therefore, the jaw structure and gums are carefully evaluated before the implant.
Daily tooth brushing, flossing and regular dental check-ups prevent peri-implant diseases by reducing plaque accumulation. Otherwise, implant loss may occur as a result of inflammation.
As a result, the longevity of implants depends on oral hygiene, gum health and regular check-ups.
Lifestyle choices
The longevity of your dental implants is directly related to your lifestyle. In particular, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can negatively affect the healing process and the durability of the implant. Smoking impedes blood flow, making it difficult to transport oxygen to the treatment site, which slows down the healing process. In addition, smoking can lead to gum disease, increasing the risk of implant failure.
Alcohol consumption should be started at least 2-3 days after dental implant treatment. Alcohol can adversely affect the healing process by causing blood thinning. In addition, alcohol can lead to dehydration by reducing saliva secretion in the mouth and prevent the healing of tissues in the mouth.
Therefore, you can extend the life of your dental implants by paying attention to habits such as smoking and alcohol.
Damage or injuries
Although dental implants function similarly to natural teeth, they are sensitive to excessive force and trauma. The life of the implant can be shortened depending on external factors. Ceramic crowns can be damaged by demanding activities other than eating and chewing. In particular, habits such as hard foods, sugary or icy substances, or using the teeth as an opening tool can cause the crowns to crack or break. In addition, trauma to the facial area can cause the implant to dislodge.
In your dental implant, because the screw fuses with the jawbone, the implant may need to be reinserted due to damage to your jaw. Also, your dentist can repair a damaged crown, but this depends on the state of damage to the crown and whether the root of the implant is affected.
In conclusion, dental implants should only be used for eating and should be protected from excessive force and trauma. This way you can prolong the life of your implants.
Medical conditions
Some health problems can affect the durability and lifespan of dental implants. For example, conditions such as diabetes or a weak immune system can directly affect your treatment process and the success of your implants. Diabetes can weaken the body's ability to heal, making you more susceptible to infections. This can prolong the healing process of the implant and increase the risk of failure.
In individuals with a weak immune system, the healing process after the implant may also take longer. Controlling your diabetes plays a critical role in prolonging the life of your implant. In addition, the osseointegration process, which allows the implant to fuse with the jawbone, may vary depending on your health status and oral care.
The quality of your jawbone
A solid foundation for dental implants depends on the quality of your jawbone. Inadequate jawbone density or health problems affecting the bone can lead to implant failure. Before the implant is placed, your jawbone is examined in detail. During this examination, the bone structure is evaluated using techniques such as X-rays or 3D modelling.
If your jawbone is not sufficient, an additional bone formation process called bone grafting can be applied. The quality of your jawbone can weaken over time due to diseases such as osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis can cause the bones to become more brittle and the implants less robust. In addition, peri-implant disease can also cause inflammation in the tissues around the dental implant, which can negatively affect the treatment process. Therefore, the condition of your jawbone is an important factor that directly affects the success of the dental implant.
Peri-implant disease
Peri-implant disease develops when plaque builds up around the dental implant. It is possible to treat this condition in the early stages, but if neglected, it can lead to a more serious inflammation called peri-implantitis. Peri-implantitis is inflammation of the gums and if left untreated can cause the implant to fail.
After dental implants, it is very important to pay attention to oral hygiene. Regular tooth brushing, flossing and regular dental check-ups help prevent peri-implant disease and ensure the longevity of the implant. Therefore, maintaining oral health after dental implant is a critical factor for the success of the treatment.
Tooth grinding
Teeth grinding is an involuntary habit that occurs during stress, anxiety or sleep. This condition, medically called ‘bruxism’, can have negative effects on dental implants. People who grind their teeth may experience problems such as loosening of the implant screw or breaking the crown of the implant.
It is therefore important to keep the situation under control and to follow up regularly with your dentist.
Your surgeon's experience
The experience of the surgeon is of great importance for the longevity and success of dental implants. An inexperienced surgeon may not be able to place the implants correctly or choose the appropriate placement strategy. This can lead to improper placement of the implant, problems in the early stages, or difficulties in the healing process.
Furthermore, placing an incorrect crown before the implant is fixed can increase the risk of damage to the oral tissues. An expert and experienced surgeon prevents such negative situations and ensures that the treatment process proceeds more healthily and smoothly. Paying attention to the experience of your surgeon for dental implant treatment is a critical factor for the success of your treatment.
How can you tell if a dental implant has failed?
Although dental implant treatment is usually successful, in some cases the implant may fail. To recognise this, there are a few symptoms you should look out for. Symptoms in which the implant may fail include:
- Pain when chewing or biting food
- Dislocation of the implant
- Symptoms of peri-implantitis: Bleeding, swelling, pus, redness and recession of the gums
When you experience such symptoms, there may be a risk that your treatment may fail. For early intervention, it is important to contact your dentist or surgeon as soon as possible. Consulting a specialist is a critical step for the health of the implant and the success of the treatment process.
How to treat failed dental implants?
Dental implants can sometimes fail, but treatment methods may vary depending on the situation. If there is a problem such as peri-implantitis and there is no major bone loss in your jaw, it can be treated before the implant is removed. In this case, the implant and the surrounding area will be cleaned and antibiotic treatment may be given to treat the infection.
If the implant has failed, it may need to be removed. This is usually done under local anaesthesia. If there is bone loss around the implant, bone grafting may be required. This may take several months until the bone has healed.
If the failed implant is not replaced or if it is preferred not to replace it, alternative treatment options such as dentures or dental bridges can be used. These options should be discussed with your dentist to offer the most appropriate solution according to the jaw structure.
How to care for your dental implants?
The longevity of dental implants is directly related to proper care and hygiene. Implants can be cared for in a similar way to your natural teeth. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing regularly helps reduce plaque and biofilm build-up, as well as keeping your gums healthy. This also contributes to the prevention of bad breath.
In addition to caring for your dental implants, regular dental check-ups are important. During these visits, your dentist will only assess your oral health and check your implants for any problems. Cracks or damage to the crowns on the implant can be detected early and the correct treatment plan can be created.
Also, using your dental implants only for eating and chewing will prolong their life. Using your teeth as tools for demanding tasks, such as opening plastic packaging, puts unnecessary pressure on your implants and can damage them in the long term. These simple maintenance steps will keep your dental implants healthy and durable.
Why should I choose Simena Dental Clinic for dental implants in Antalya, Turkey?
As a result, dental implants, particularly single dental implants, as well as all on 4 and all on 6 dental implants in Turkey, enable you to permanently and aesthetically regain your missing teeth. With proper oral care and regular check-ups, your implants can remain healthy and functional for many years. If you want to boost your confidence by addressing your missing teeth, you can contact our experienced specialists in Antalya to develop a suitable treatment plan. When you contact Simena Dental Clinic, you can be sure that you will receive the best results, with quality service and customer satisfaction at the forefront.