I am seriously thinking about getting all on 4 dental implants. I didn’t know that they were such a huge investment until I asked my dentist about them. She said that they will last for the rest of my life. She doesn’t place implants herself though. I would have to be referred out to another dentist. Can I really expect the implants to last a lifetime or will I have to replace them? Thanks – Abigail
Abigail – All-On-4 dental implants can last decades, if not a lifetime, depending on several factors, including:
- your age;
- the quality of implants;
- implant placement;
- your health;
- and how well you take care of them.
A younger person who is prematurely missing all of his or her teeth and needs All-On-4 implants may find that later in life, the implants need to be replaced. This is only reasonable. Additionally, although the dental implant fixtures might last a long time, depending on your lifespan, the implant crowns, or the dentures that are secured to the implants, will need to be periodically replaced.
As you mentioned, All-on-4 implants are an investment in your oral health. Some people want to save money, so they look for bargain implants. Very often, bargain implants result in cheap implant fixtures or shortcuts in the planning and placement phases. These factors can cause implants to loosen or fail. They won’t last a lifetime.
There are other factors that affect the success of dental implants:
- Poor oral hygiene after receiving All-On-4 implants, or any other type of dental implants, can also cause them to fail.
- Plaque buildup can lead to periodontal disease, bone loss, and implant failure.
- Smoking immediately before, during, and immediately after implant placement can prevent proper healing and cause implant failure.
- Alcohol promotes dry mouth, which can increase bacteria. It also dilates blood vessels. Both of these factors can interfere with the healing process.
- Uncontrolled diabetes can prevent proper healing of dental implants.
- Teeth grinding puts pressure on dental crowns and implants and affect their longevity.
If you receive All-On-4 dental implants, you must be diligent in following the guidelines to keep them clean and functioning proper. If you do, they can last a lifetime.
This post is sponsored by Naperville implant dentist and American board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.
