Many individuals are irritated by missing, disfigured, or badly damaged teeth. Visible gaps when you smile may influence not just how you appear and feel but also your general dental health. While there are various options for replacing missing or damaged teeth, one that has grown in popularity is the dental implant. As opposed to dentures, a dental implant is a permanent tooth replacement remedy. The implant is inserted into or on your jawbone, acting as a prosthetic tooth root. While the procedure is more complex than dentures, it provides numerous benefits to patients.

Most people prefer implants over traditional dentures for aesthetic and health reasons. Many people enjoy the appearance of implants and appreciate not having to bother about placing, removing, or maintaining their dentures. Another reason many individuals choose implants is that they want to eat a variety of foods. Some foods, especially hard or sticky ones, can be challenging to consume with standard dentures. Implants, however, function similarly to natural teeth, which makes chewing more comfortable and pleasant.

In general, an implant is intended to be a permanent addition to your mouth. But despite that, an implant can fail months or years after it is placed. This can be due to many factors.

How Long Do Implants Usually Last?

Dental implants are designed for permanent use. This is because they are physically screwed to the jawbone, joining the surrounding bone tissue through a process known as osseointegration. While it is intended to be permanent, the crown linked to it will have to be replaced in about 15 to 20 years due to regular wear and tear.



The location of the implant in the mouth also plays a role in determining the longevity of a dental implant. Implants in the back of the mouth are used more when chewing, so they will most likely wear out faster than implants in the front.

However, this isn't always the case. In some instances, dental implants can fail.

What Circumstances May Influence Whether An Implant Will Fail?

An implant failure only occurs when something hinders osseointegration or the recovery process. Factors that may contribute to implant failure include:

  • Not Enough Care And Maintenance – Oral hygiene for natural teeth is equally vital for implants. Plaque buildup can cause gum disease, which can harm both your gums and your jawbone. As a result, taking care of implants through oral hygiene is essential. Basic oral hygiene includes: brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing every day, and regularly visiting your dentist.
  • Bone Shortage – Implants must be properly secured in your jawbone. For this reason, an implant may fail if there is insufficient jawbone to keep it in place securely. Another thing to look out for is bone loss which can gradually destabilize an implant. Several factors might influence this, including peri-implant disease, osteoporosis, and additional medical problems that affect bone health.
  • Smoking – Smoking may result in implant failure because it might disrupt blood flow to the afflicted region, affecting osteointegration and healing.
  • Teeth Grinding – When you grind your teeth or suffer from any occlusal trauma, it can cause the implant to fracture, the screw to loosen or crack, or the porcelain on the crown to fracture. This is because repetitive grinding motions or trauma can trigger minor movements of the implant, interfering with the osseointegration process.
  • Age – Implants may fail more frequently in older people. This is possible since most elders may have underlying medical or bone issues. In addition, osseointegration may take longer in older people.
  • Medication Or Treatments – Some medicines or treatments may have a major impact on implant failure. Some examples are immunosuppressive drugs, blood-thinning medications, and radiation therapy.
  • Inexperienced Surgeon – A skilled surgeon must perform your dental implants. An inexperienced surgeon can cause an implant failure by designing poor implants or incorrect implant placement.
So, how will you know when an implant fails? If you experience symptoms that lead to a failed implant, you should see your dentist or periodontist. Some potential signs of implant failure to keep an eye out are when an implant moves or pain when you chew.

There are many ways you can treat a failed implant, but the best way to treat it is to replace it. If you choose not to replace or cannot repair a failed implant, you can always opt for dental bridges or dentures.

Conclusion

Dental implants are intended to be long-term remedies. This is because implants connect with your jawbone and join the surrounding bone through osseointegration. On the other hand, the crown typically only generally lasts 10 to 15 years before it needs to be replaced due to wear and tear. Maintaining good oral care and using it sparingly, on the other hand, might extend the life of the crown beyond 15 years.

However, implants can fail. This might be attributed to several factors. A failing implant can occasionally be replaced, but additional therapeutic options are available if that is not possible. If you see indicators of implant failure, consult your dentist or periodontist.