Medically Reviewed By: Elizabeth Felts Randall, DMD, MS
If you have been exploring tooth replacement options, you may wonder whether dental implants are replaceable and how often you need to replace them. The periodontists at Chattanooga Periodontics & Dental Implants can explain what to expect for the longevity of your dental implants.
Can You Replace Dental Implants?
Dental implants are replaceable, but with diligent oral hygiene and routine checkups with your dentist and periodontist, dental implants can last a lifetime without requiring replacement. Reasons that dental implants last so long include:
- Dental implant composition – Durable, long-lasting titanium screws serve as artificial tooth roots.
- Surgical placement – Our periodontist will surgically place each dental implant in your jawbone.
- Dental implant and jawbone integration – Your jawbone will grow between the threads of the titanium screws and lock them in place.
The combined strength of titanium artificial tooth roots and your jawbone helps dental implants outlast other forms of tooth replacement. Therefore, many Chattanooga patients can keep their original dental implants for the rest of their life.
How Long Will Your Dental Implant Restoration Last?
A quality porcelain or ceramic dental implant crown, bridge, or denture can last for decades; however, the material is less durable than titanium. Although your dental implant can remain intact for your lifetime, you may need to replace your crown, bridge, or denture eventually.
When Might a Dental Implant Require Replacement?
A dental implant may require replacement due to complications, such as lack of bone volume or an infection of the gum tissue around the implants. Still, with planning and care, the risks are minimal.
- Lack of jawbone volume – Before you get dental implants, our periodontist will take a 3-D CT scan to measure your bone volume. If you lack enough bone volume for dental implants, you may need a bone grafting procedure first.
- Peri-implantitis – Infection due to lack of diligent oral hygiene, gum disease, or poor circulation from smoking may cause peri-implantitis, which affects the gum tissue and bone. Unhealthy tissue and bone can cause dental implants to loosen, fail, and require replacement. The American Journal of Periodontology confirms that a lack of oral hygiene skills and failure to get regular professional care for your dental implants can lead to peri-implantitis.
How Can You Help Dental Implants Last?
You can help your dental implants last by practicing thorough oral hygiene habits and getting regular maintenance from your dentist and Chattanooga Periodontics. Dental implant placement and routine gum disease checkups from Dr. Felts or Dr. Randall will help keep your gums and jawbone healthy for supporting your teeth and dental implants. Visit our website today for more information about dental implants, or request a consultation with Dr. Felts or Dr. Randall.
