There are several things that may affect the longevity of a dental implant:

Oral health prior to having the implant placed.

Healthy and bone is essential to both a successful placement of an implant and to integration (healing).

Commitment to regular check-up and clean appointments.

Regular professional care visits to the dentist will keep your implants healthy and any issues that arise will be identified early, making them easier to treat.

Home care and general oral hygiene.

A good home care regiment is essential to the longevity of your dental implants. Your routine could include a water flosser or specialised toothbrushes. For the best advice on home care, speak to a dental professional.

Medical conditions (i.e. autoimmune disease, osteoporosis, diabetes)

Some medical conditions and medications can affect the process of osseointegration (implant healing in the bone). Before implants are placed, your dentist will require a full medical history and the details of your current medication.

Lifestyle factors such as smoking

Cigarette smoke restricts the blood vessels that supply the mouth which makes it more difficult for the body to heal, usually the success rate of implant integration is a little lower in smokers.

Generally speaking, the statistics say that more than 90% of implants will still be functional after 10 years and that they may need replacing at some point. It is important to remember that if your own teeth did not last a lifetime you can’t expect dental implants to either. It will all depend on how well you take care of the implants and maintain your oral health.