Question
I (m,55) have to have two teeth extracted, which are now to be replaced by implants. This raises various questions for me. How long do implants last? If I have the implants fitted now, do I run the risk of having to have new ones fitted at the age of 70 or 75? Implants as artificial products are probably not susceptible to caries, but what other damage can they suffer? Are they more sensitive than teeth? How should implants be cared for?
Short answer
Dental implants generally have a long service life. However, in order to achieve this, a few points must be observed: Good oral hygiene and regular check-ups at the dentist are essential. Long-term smoking is harmful.
Dental implants generally have a very long lifespan. The chance of success is 95% to 98% after ten years. There are studies that show such a high level of success in the front lower jaw even after more than 20 years. The most important factors that could shorten the lifespan are: poor oral hygiene, no regular professional check-ups and cleaning, gum and bone inflammation in the remaining teeth and smoking over a long period of time. With proper dental care and avoidance of the above risk factors, your implants should therefore be very likely to last for the rest of your life.
Early detection important
If problems should nevertheless arise, it is very important to recognize them as early as possible. Today, this early detection allows various measures to be initiated so that the problems can be rectified. Professional support is essential, as problems are often not even noticeable.
Good oral hygiene
Implants generally have the advantage that no caries can develop on them. However, regular good oral hygiene is also essential with implants, as the gums and bone around implants are just as sensitive as around your own teeth. The hygiene methods for teeth and implants are basically the same. Bone loss around teeth is called periodontitis, while bone loss around implants is called peri-implantitis. The mechanisms of these pathological processes are similar. These diseases are caused by bacteria that inflame the gums and ultimately the bone. The bone reacts by dissolving and retreating. As a result, the tooth or implant loses its hold and is eventually lost. The most effective protection against these diseases is thorough daily hygiene (i.e. the removal of these bacteria) and regular professional check-ups.
Treat periodontitis first
Implants should not be placed in teeth suffering from active periodontitis, as an infection can also spread to the implants. It is therefore important to examine your own teeth for existing periodontitis before implant placement and to treat it beforehand if necessary.
AuthorDr. med. dent. Jürg Eppenberger
Published in: Neue Luzerner Zeitung on October 20, 2011