Can dental implants last forever? It is said that dental implants can be a permanent solution for people who have missing teeth due to illness or injury. But how long does a dental implant actually last? In this article, we will try to find the answer to this frequently asked question.
What Is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are used to restore missing tooth or teeth, preventing further dental problems and jawbone loss. While they can be used to relieve dental problems, dental implants can also serve a cosmetic purpose and improve the appearance of the person’s smile.
Gum disease, tooth decay, and physical trauma to the face are only a few reasons that can lead to tooth loss. Missing teeth can cause a lot of problems for individuals. For example, if the missing tooth or teeth makes it challenging to chew food, it can have a negative effect on healthy eating habits. Moreover, if the missing tooth is one of the more visible teeth such as the front teeth, it can cause people to be embarrassed about their smile and result in low self-confidence.
Dental implants are regarded as a good solution to missing teeth and can be a promising alternative to other dental treatments such as bridges or dentures.
How Are Dental Implants Done
Dental implant surgery is done to place a metal screw into the patient’s jawbone. To do this, an incision is made to the gums on the missing tooth area. Then, a cavity is opened in the exposed jawbone and the metal screw is inserted into the opening. This metal screw acts as an artificial tooth root.
It is important that the patient has enough bone in their jaw to support the implant. If the patient has bone loss in their jaw and the jawbone cannot support the dental implant, the procedure called bone grafting may be necessary before the dental implant treatment. Usually, the bone graft material is taken from the own body of the patient such as from their chin or jaw, and placed in the area where bone grafting is necessary. You will have an oral examination before the dental implant surgery and discuss all necessary treatments with your dentist.
Parts of an Implant
Before we look at the longevity of dental implants, it is important to learn more about the parts that make up a dental implant.
Generally, dental implants consist of three separate parts; the implant body, the abutment, and the crown.
The implant body is a metal screw that is inserted into the jawbone. It is usually made out of titanium or titanium alloys. Its shape, size, and length depend on the type of implant and the condition of your jawbone and are different for each person.
The abutment is a connecting attachment that is also made out of metal material. It is attached on top of the implant body after the bone around the implant body is healed. This healing process is called osseointegration and can take up to several months. The attachment of the abutment is a minor surgery. The purpose of the abutment is to create a surface above the gums that will hold the crown in place.
The crown is the final piece of dental implant treatment. It is basically a cap that is shaped like a tooth. It goes on the abutment and restores the appearance and function of the missing tooth. Crowns can be made out of various materials such as porcelain, metal, or zirconia.
Why Is Titanium Used for Implants?
Have you ever considered why dental implants are made out of titanium? Today, the majority of well-known dental implant brands are manufacturing titanium implants.
Titanium has been used in medical treatments for decades. It is used not just for dental implants but for all kinds of prosthetics such as shoulder or hip replacements. It is widely preferred thanks to its lightweight, durability, and strength. However, the main why titanium is used frequently in dentistry is its compatibility with bone tissue. Healing of the dental implant process can take several months, and, if the patient’s jaw needs support from a bone graft, healing may take longer. Titanium implants show extremely good compatibility with the jawbone and this helps the osseointegration process greatly.
Do Implants Last Forever?
Dental implants are treatments with a high success rate. It is actually true that dental implants can last a lifetime. Unlike natural teeth, dental implants can withstand a lot of stress and do not wear as easily. While the average lifespan of a dental implant is stated to be approximately 10-15 years, many patients report that they continue to use their implants without any problems for decades. The longevity of dental implants depends on the individual and how they take care of their oral health.
Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
So, why is it that some people enjoy the benefits of dental implants permanently and others don’t? Let’s look at possible reasons why.
Crown Failure
It is possible that the crown is worn down or cracked after years of use or an accident. In this case, the implant body is not damaged and the problem can be fixed with the placement of a new crown.
In other cases, the crown might separate from the abutment. This can also be quickly fixed with a minor recementation procedure.
If you experience any problems with your crown or it detaches, try to get a dentist appointment as soon as possible and your dentist will treat the problem.
Medical Conditions
The most important part of dental implant treatment is the healing of the jawbone. If the patient has medical conditions that may hinder the healing process such as severe gum disease, diabetes, or a compromised immune system, it may affect the longevity of dental implants and the patient might need additional treatments in the future.
Bad Oral Health
Maintaining good oral health and creating healthy habits is essential for making dental implants last for a long time. After receiving dental implant treatment, individuals should take care of their implants like their own natural teeth. It is very important to follow healthy daily routines such as brushing and flossing.
Additionally, regular visits to the dental clinic should not be neglected. Your dentist can guide you if you have any questions about oral health and treat any problems you might experience with your implants early on.
Where to Get Dental Implants? Dental Implants in Turkey
While dental treatments can be necessary for functional or cosmetic reasons, they can also be expensive, and finding an appointment might be difficult. This is why in recent years, many people are choosing to receive dental treatments abroad because of how convenient it is.
Turkey has seen its medical tourism sector booming and the country is now among the most popular destinations for patients around the world. This is especially true for dental treatments as thousands of people travel to Turkey for various treatments each year.
Turkey has a high success rate for dental implant operations. Dental clinics in Turkey used well-known implant brands and the operations are performed in a hygienic environment by skilled and experienced dentists. The satisfaction of the patients is of utmost importance and the patients are supported before, during, and after the treatment.
What makes Turkey a good choice for dental treatments is that all of these are possible for very reasonable prices. As the cost of living in the country is low and the currency exchange rates are high, people from around the world can find the cost of dental treatments in Turkey to be inexpensive.
Another reason why people choose Turkey for their dental treatments is for dental holidays. Dental holidays are when people combine their dental treatment with their vacation time for more convenience. In Turkey, there are numerous beautiful cities, natural and historical attractions, pristine beaches, and delicious food. For this reason, it is not uncommon that people who visit Turkey for dental treatments to stay for a while to enjoy their time in the country.
Overall, there is a great chance that you can benefit from dental implants for a long time if you maintain them correctly. If you are interested in getting dental implants or learning more about different dental treatments, you can read our other articles on the subject.
At CureBooking, our team is ready to assist you 24/7 with all your questions about dental treatments, dental holidays, and pricing in Turkey.
