Ensuring the Longevity of Your Dental Implants

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At Bonita Beach Dental, dental implants are a popular and highly recommended tooth-replacement treatment option. They are designed to look, feel, and function just like natural teeth. Dental implants are versatile, as they can be used to support single dental crowns, dental bridges, and even full or partial dentures, and they help promote good jawbone health.  

Understanding how to care for your dental implants will help to maintain your investment and keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy for lifelong smile restoration.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants are made of biocompatible, highly resilient metal. Once fully integrated into a patient's jawbone, dental implants are intended to last a lifetime.  

While dental implants are near permanent by design, your overall health, lifestyle habits, and even certain diseases can impact the longevity of dental implants because sound dental implants depend on the health of the jawbone. In order to ensure long-term dental implant success, patients must be proactive about their oral and overall health.

5 Factors to Consider for Long-Term Success

The following factors can impact the long-term success and longevity of your dental implants:

1. Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease (gum disease) is a bacterial infection of the gums. This disease is best combated by prevention. Left untreated or ignored, periodontal disease can impact the jawbone's health and integrity, decreasing the longevity of dental implants.

2. Diabetes

Diabetes is directly correlated with oral health and increases the risk of periodontal disease. Patients with diabetes have a high risk of developing periodontal disease. They also have a more difficult time preventing existing periodontal disease from worsening and impacting the jawbone.  

Patients with diabetes are still candidates for dental implants, but they must recognize the risks associated with their systemic health and take steps to maintain their oral health. For patients with diabetes, this includes the responsible management of blood sugar levels in addition to good oral hygiene practices.  

3. Tobacco Use

Tobacco use negatively impacts treatment success with dental implants and significantly increases the risk of implant failure.

The nicotine (in addition to other chemicals) contained in tobacco products weakens the bones, including the jawbone. These chemicals can also increase the risk of infections (like periodontal disease). As a result, tobacco use makes it difficult for dental implants to properly osseointegrate with the jawbone. It also increases the risk of later complications due to infection.  

Patients planning to get dental implants or who have dental implants should refrain from tobacco use of any kind. Cessation of tobacco use will not only improve long-term dental implant success but also the patient's overall health.  

4. Head and Neck Radiation

Radiotherapy (radiation treatment) of the head and neck can weaken the jawbone or make it more difficult for dental implants to properly osseointegrate with the jawbone. Additionally, these kinds of treatments can damage the blood vessels within the jawbone. Patients who have undergone radiation treatment of the head and neck should talk with our dentist about their treatment options.  

If a patient already has one or more dental implants, these can lead to complications with radiation treatment. As a result, dental implants sometimes need to be removed before a patient receives radiotherapy. The need for dental implant removal depends on the location of the dental implants, the target for radiation, and the patient's individual case.  

5. Dental Visits

Regular dental visits (examinations and oral hygiene appointments) will help maintain dental implants by supporting optimal oral health, detecting and treating issues early, and providing guidance for at-home care and maintenance.  

Complete Smile Restoration with Our Dentist in Bonita Beach

At Bonita Beach Dental, we provide patients in Bonita Springs, Florida with comprehensive smile restoration, including dental implants and porcelain restorations. To learn more about caring for your dental implants and restorations or to request a consultation with our dentist, we welcome you to contact our office today. Dr. Scott will be happy to talk with you about your needs, concerns, and smile goals and help you choose the treatment path that is right for you.

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