Do Dental Implants Have to Be Replaced?

Do Dental Implants Have to Be Replaced?

Over the years, dental implants have become the most popular tooth restoration option. More and more people are preferring dental implants to dentures or dental bridges, and for a good reason. Dental implants last longer and give a lasting restorative result to people in search of that flawless smile.

If your dentist has recommended dental implants, you may wonder if you will ever have to replace them.

Do You Have to Replace Your Dental Implants?

It depends on how well you care for your teeth and oral hygiene. With good dental hygiene practices and regular checkups, dental implants can last many decades. The crown of the dental implant may need replacement after every 15 or 20 years but can last longer in some cases.

How Often Should You Replace Your Dental Implants?

Generally, dental implants start showing signs of deterioration after 10 or 15 years. But certain factors may make you replace your dental implants sooner than expected. For instance:

• Sudden trauma from an accident or biting down hard on a solid object can crack the crown of your implant
• If your top and bottom teeth do not sit well together (malocclusion), your dental implants may wear out sooner
• Grinding your teeth (bruxism) can fracture your dental implant

Signs That You Have to Replace Your Dental Implants

How can you tell if it is time to replace your dental implant? If you observe or experience any of these signs, it could be time to replace your dental implants.

Cracked or Fractured Crown

Like natural teeth, dental implant crowns are also vulnerable to damage. Crowns can get fractures from sports injuries, biting on hard things, or any trauma to the mouth. Also, the implant crown can develop cracks after decades of use.

These cracks and fractures can make the implant crown weak and susceptible to bigger fractures. 

Wobbly Crown

Sometimes, crown implants can become loose or wobbly. If the cement connecting the crown to the part that stretches above the gumline fails, you may need to replace the crown. You can tell your implant crown is loose if it is clicking when you speak or eat.

Gum Infection

People with dental implants need more professional teeth cleanings than those without dental implants. If not cleaned properly, the bacteria that sit along the gumline can enter the jawbone and cause damage.

Eventually, swelling may develop at the bottom of the implant and risk the stability of the dental implant. 

Gum Tissue Recession

When you do not take proper care of your dental implant, plaque can collect around the implant's base. While bacteria from plaque cannot eat into porcelain, they can still destroy your gum tissue and cause gum recession.

Gum recession is when the gums begin to withdraw from the implant. Routine dental exams will help your dentist catch signs of gum recession early before it becomes a severe complication. 

For more on whether dental implants have to be replaced, visit Smile Center Ohio at our office in Delaware or Sunbury, Ohio. You can also call 740-417-9565 or 740-965-2451 to book an appointment today.