How to Use Implants for a Long Time

Many people want to use their implants for a long time once they have them placed.

Unfortunately, however, implants are not permanent. They are consumables that can wear down and break over time with use. Patients often think that because they paid a high cost for treatment, it should last permanently or at least for about 10 years.

Realistically, that is difficult. However, if you understand a few important factors that affect implant lifespan, you may be able to use your implants for as long as you want.

First, in implant surgery, it is important to choose the appropriate implant type and diameter according to the site where the implant will be placed. An experienced doctor selects the implant while considering the condition of the bone, among other factors. Also, if the proper amount of bone graft is needed, artificial bone grafting must be performed together.

Second, peri-implantitis can occur when the treatment of periodontal disease is insufficient or implant maintenance is not performed properly. That is why implant patients should visit the dental clinic regularly (every 3 months) to check for bone loss around the implant and to manage bacterial plaque.

Third, overall health can affect implant lifespan. It is important to manage diabetes, smoking, alcohol consumption, and more. In particular, controlling diabetes is important because it is closely related to periodontal disease.

Lastly, to keep implants healthy for a long time, thorough brushing after meals is necessary. It is important to care for the area around the implant by cleaning between the teeth and using interdental brushes, and to avoid tough or hard foods. Regular dental checkups and tartar removal treatment are also needed.

There are many other factors as well, but we have looked at the most important ones. It can be said that the success rate of implants depends 60% on the doctor’s skill and the remaining 40% on other factors. Therefore, when cooperation between doctor and patient goes well, the lifespan of implants can be greatly extended. Implants are not something that are simply treated once; they must be managed for a lifetime.