In order to understand how long overdentures (or implant-supported or retained dentures) last, you must also understand the lifespan of the implant that secures the prosthesis.
Lifespan of a dental implant
How long does a dental implant last?
People who need to perform this procedure usually have questions about how long a dental implant lasts, what the process is like, whether they will need to change the prosthesis, among other issues. In practice, this duration depends on several factors and the care you have with your tooth.
To better understand the durability of the implant, it is important to know how each stage of it works, as there are items that last a lifetime and others that need more care to maintain.
The bone graft
It is necessary to carry out a bone grafting step (replace and insert the material) when the person does not have the necessary amount to make the implant. With this, the pin can be fixed correctly to maintain the prosthesis. It can last a patient's lifetime and is only done once.
Attachment system
As in the previous phase, the attachment system can also last a lifetime, but must be properly maintained. That's because it is placed to serve as the base of the tooth, to receive and fix the prosthesis. It works as if it were a screw, which goes inside, replacing the root of the lost tooth. The upper part, which performs the function of chewing, is what we call the “crown” on the implant.
Overdentures
This stage is the one that requires the most attention, as the time the implant lasts will depend on how the patient will take care of the crown of the tooth (the prosthesis). That is, unlike the previous phases, it is not lifetime. Its durability can vary greatly, around 15 years.
There are several factors that influence the duration of the dental implant. A porcelain tooth, for example, can last a long time. Resin ones, on the other hand, have a lower durability, usually about 8 years, while ceramic ones can reach 15 years. However, in all cases, the patient needs to have constant oral hygiene to increase this time.
What can interfere with how long a dental implant lasts?
Some of the factors that can impact the durability of an implant are:
- smoking: patients who smoke may have a shorter duration, as cigarettes interfere with circulation and the microcirculation that takes place inside the bones and soft tissues
- osteoporosis
- diabetes with blood glucose levels that are always very high, which interferes with circulation, reducing the durability of the implant
- malpositioned implants, which are receiving a load beyond what they were designed to withstand
- occlusal instability — when the patient has a wrong bite, for example
And, of course, hygiene! It is essential to maintain a good dental cleaning to avoid periodontitis, which is an infection that wears down the bone of the tooth until it breaks and/or falls out. In the case of implants, this same process is called peri-implantitis.
Thinking that the implant does not need care is a myth! To avoid losing your tooth and make it last longer, you need to maintain care, such as brushing and flossing, in addition to periodic visits to the dentist.