A dental implant is a surgical procedure to replace a damaged or lost tooth. Dental surgeons create implants inside or on the jawbone to create an artificial root. Patients opt for dental implants for many reasons, including tooth decay, gum infections, and chipped teeth. Mike Regan, DMD at Michael Regan, DMD Family, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry recommend dental implants after thoroughly evaluating the condition of your jawbone. If you are scheduled for a dental implant procedure and want the essential information, we have added the vital details you need to know beforehand.
Are There Different Types of Dental Implants?
Endosteal Implants
The most common dental implant is an endosteal implant. It involves inserting the tooth implant directly into the jawbone. Dental surgeons use small screws made from titanium or ceramic to create a cavity for the replacement tooth. Endosteal can effectively meet your needs whether you need a single-tooth implant or a multiple-tooth implant.
To perform an endosteal implant procedure, the surgeon may make an incision in your gums to expose the jawbone. After carefully examining your jawbone, the surgeon may drill into your jawbone to create the implant cavity. After placing an implant, the surgeon may leave your gums to heal. Your dental surgeon may also add an abutment to support the implant.
Dental surgeons typically perform endosteal implants in multiple sessions to monitor the condition of the jawbone. In some cases, they perform additional procedures to strengthen the jawbone.
Subperiosteal Implants
Unlike endosteal implants, dental surgeons place subperiosteal implants under the gums and above the jawbone. This implant type is suitable for those who have issues with their jawbone. Over the years, the jawbone can lose its strength to withhold the tooth root. Moreover, gum diseases can also impact the jawbone structure, making it unfit for implants.
Many patients opt for subperiosteal implants to avoid undergoing additional surgical procedures like bone grafts. These implants use a metal framework with small extensions to hold the replacement tooth firmly. Dental surgeons make incisions to take an impression of the jawbone and allow the gums to heal.
After healing the gums, the surgeons place the implant framework inside your gums. They ensure placing the metal framework correctly in the gum to create an identical root structure of the jawbone.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants are durable procedures that are designed to last for a lifetime. However, varying oral conditions, gum infections, and injuries can cause problems with the implant root.
Regardless of the implant type, dental surgeons create a durable framework under your gums (subperiosteal) or in the jawbone (endosteal).
The surrounding tissues gradually connect to the implant, making it a part of the natural root. The process of bone tissue fusing with the implant (osseointegration) provides additional support to the replacement tooth.
Although dental implants can last for a lifetime, the crown attached to it may need periodic replacements due to wear and tear. Typically, crowns may last for up to 20 years. However, the timeline varies due to several factors.
Factors Affecting Dental Implants
Although dental implants can survive a lifetime, they may also fail in some cases due to various factors.
Poor Maintenance
One of the core factors that restrict the lifespan of a dental implant in some people is poor oral hygiene and care. You may catch harmful bacteria in your gums if you ignore regular flossing and oral cleaning practices. Bacterial interaction can lead to multiple teeth problems, including gum infections, tooth decay (leading to tooth extraction), and chipped teeth.
These problems can lead to jawbone infections in the long run if left untreated. Since dental implants rest in the jawbone or under the gums, leaving the diseases untreated can lead to peri-implantitis, another name for implant failure.
Bone Loss
Dental implants need a good bone base to remain stable in your jawbone. In some cases, the bone may deteriorate due to an undiagnosed bacterial infection or gum disease. Placing an implant in a disease-affected bone may lead to implant failure. Mike Regan, DMD at Michael Regan, DMD Family, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry always advise patients to have a thorough jawbone examination to avoid such complications.
If left unchecked, gum disease may lead to bone loss down the road, destabilizing the dental implant. The common causes of bone loss in most patients are peri-implant disease and osteoporosis.
Nicotine Consumption
Smoking is one of the many factors that can impact oral hygiene and teeth health. Patients who smoke are likely to face dental implant failures. When they smoke, the nicotine and tar enter the bloodstream under the gums, increasing the chances of gum diseases.
Smoking can also hinder osseointegration and gum healing after placing dental implants. While this is true, you can minimize the adverse effects of smoking by maintaining a regular oral cleaning routine.
Teeth Clenching and Grinding
Patients with stress and anxiety often face teeth clenching and grinding problems, increasing the pressure on their gums. Such patients often have no control over clenching and continue to exert pressure on their jaws while asleep. Excessive clenching and grinding can lead to implant failure in some cases.
When a patient grinds their teeth, the screws of the implant may lose their strength to withhold the framework. It may lead to screw fractures or crown breaks and, in worst cases, implant failures. You may consult your dentist for appropriate guidance after getting tooth implants if you have a clenching or grinding problem.
Aging
In rare cases, aging can lead to dental implant failures due to underlying health problems in adults. As we grow older, our bones become weaker, making it difficult for dental implants to remain firm in their place. Moreover, older adults are more likely to heal slowly in case of injuries or dental procedures.
Aging patients may consult their doctor to follow a preventive routine. In dental implant failure, doctors may not advise opting for surgical procedures.
Schedule Your Appointment
Mike Regan, DMD at Michael Regan, DMD Family, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry can advise you in regard to getting dental implants. Contact 503-654-8283 today to schedule your appointment with us.