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Why Do Some Dental Implants Last Longer Than Others?
Posted in Dental Implants
Posted on April 25, 2023 by Dr. Gerald Marlin
Dental implants consist of three major components: the implant itself, which is inserted directly into the jawbone, the abutment which connects the implant to the third component, the dental crown. The latter is the only visible portion of the implant assembly, once the restoration has been completed.
Although the crown on a dental implant may need to be replaced eventually, the implant itself has the potential to last a lifetime. But why do some dental implants last longer than others?
Multiple factors can affect the survival of dental implants, including where the implant is placed, bone quality, and the diameter and length of the implant [1]. With these factors in mind, here are a few reasons why some dental implants last longer than others.
Dental Implant Placement and the Quality of the bone are the Primary Challenges in Implant Longevity
Many people who have dental implants that fail prematurely did not have their implants correctly placed originally. In fact, complications arising from dental implant placement are the biggest challenge in implant longevity [2].
Precision implant placement is paramount in a successful dental implant procedure because the implant will essentially function as a new tooth. As such, the implant will bear the force of biting and chewing, and, in many cases, it will rest next to natural tooth roots. Therefore, the placement must be precise and accurate to reduce the risk of any potential damage and ensure a strong and healthy implant.
In addition, if the implant is not placed in quality bone having good density and volume, it may prematurely.
Your dental implant specialist must be experienced and use the proper placement techniques and management of the quality of the bone if it would be better served with a bone graft for the implant to last as long as possible. At Elite Prosthetic Dentistry, we use a CBCT scan to virtually place the implant on a 3D image of your jaw before surgery and create a precise surgical guide to ensure accurate implant placement for a successful procedure.
The Quality of the Dental Crown and Abutment Matter
In addition to the position of the implant itself, the quality of the dental crown and abutment that connects the crown to the implant can dramatically impact the longevity of the entire restoration.
The crown is ultimately what will experience daily wear and tear from chewing and biting. Therefore, a high-quality dental crown that seamlessly fits your smile and supports a proper bite is necessary for a successful implant that will last for many years.
Unlike other practices, Elite takes great care when designing dental crowns. We have our own in-house lab, which allows our experienced technicians to work directly with patients to craft beautiful, custom dental crowns with superior aesthetics, function, and precision.
Additional Risk Factors for Dental Implant Issues
There are other reasons why some dental implants don’t last as long as others. Dental implants may have a shortened lifespan due to:
- Poor oral hygiene. Gum disease in particular can lead to infection and bone loss that can cause an implant to fail and require replacement [3].
- Tobacco use. Smoking and tobacco use increases the risk of implant complications and failure. It also increases the likelihood of gum disease, which can also affect your implant.
- Bruxism. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can put undue pressure on the natural teeth as well as the implant, which may lead to premature failure of the restoration [4], unless the implant crown has been correctly developed to match to your existing dentition.
Fortunately, with the correct precision placement and dental crown, proper oral hygiene, and regular dental visits, you can give your dental implants their best chance to last a lifetime.
Do You Potentially Have a Failing Dental Implant?
If you are experiencing discomfort with your dental implants or are concerned they may be failing, contact Elite Prosthetic Dentistry for a consultation today. We have helped thousands of patients with installing and restoring dental implants for a beautiful, natural-looking smile that lasts for life.
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Through this commitment, Dr. Marlin provides his patients with long-lasting (35 years vs. the national average of 7-10 years) aesthetic restorations so that they have virtually no future problems.
As such, he is a leading specialist in dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, sedation dentistry , and restorative dentistry in the Bethesda–Chevy Chase, Northern Virginia, and Washington DC Metro Area. He has inserted and restored over 3,600 dental implants.
