Millions of Americans have dental implants, and that number is growing every single day. But why are so many adults turning to dental implants as opposed to other treatments available? Because dental implants remain the most successful missing tooth treatment in dentistry today. The success rate of dental implants towers over the success rate of other procedures. When patients get dental implants, they can be positive that they’ll be smiling brightly for years to come.

The Success Rate of Dental Implants

The success rate of dental implants is over 90%. A majority of patients can expect to have their implants for 16 years or more.

Only about 5% of patients have an unsuccessful treatment. Sometimes the implant fails to attach to the jawbone, or the gums have trouble healing. Gum disease, diabetes, and other factors outlined below can increase the chances of such issues.

Why Do Dental Implants Last So Long?

The success rate of dental implants is so high because the implants fuse to your jawbone via osseointegration. Unlike dentures, they’re not snapped into place or worn over your gums. They become part of your mouth, just as your natural teeth are. They perform as well as your natural teeth too!

The implant itself is made of titanium. What else is made of titanium? Airplanes, buildings, and machinery. Titanium is as strong as steel, so you won’t have to worry about the implant breaking. The porcelain crown placed over your implant is more susceptible to damage, but like your natural teeth, you simply have to pay attention to the foods you’re eating and keep up with your regular dental visits.

What Impacts the Success Rate of Dental Implants?

There are a few factors that impact the success rate of your implants. One of the biggest factors is the health of your mouth and jawbone. That’s why our team at DICE Dental takes time to make sure your jawbone is strong enough for the procedure and that you have sufficient gum tissue for the healing process.

If not, don’t worry! We can perform supplemental procedures like bone grafts or gum augmentation, depending on the complexity of your case. We want to take every step necessary to ensure you have the highest chance at a successful procedure. There’s also technology we can use to look out for certain issues.

Factors that determine the success rate of dental implants include:

  • Gum disease: A serious case of gum disease can make it difficult for your gums to successfully heal around the implant.
  • Smoking: Smoking can cause peri-implantitis, gum inflammation that can prevent healing. Smoking also weakens your jawbone.
  • Bruxism: Also known as teeth grinding, this pressure can wear down your porcelain crown.
  • Medications: Certain medications can make the healing process difficult and reduce bone growth. Before your treatment, it will be important for us to discuss the medications you’re currently using.
  • Arthritis & Diabetes: Patients with either arthritis or diabetes have experienced higher implant failure rates than those without. Their bone density is often reduced and their healing process slowed.

The above factors don’t mean that dental implants are impossible; however, it will be important that we take some time to discuss how we can improve the success rate of your treatment. We may also have to look at some alternative options.

Even after a procedure is successful, your implants can still experience damage…just as your real teeth do. Wear mouth guards when playing high-impact sports, brush and floss daily, and avoid sugary foods or drinks that may stain your teeth. Make sure you visit your dentist every six months so they can catch issues early.

Affordable Dental Implants from DICE

Here at DICE, we take pride in offering high-quality, affordable dental implants that start at only $850. This low price is the same for all of our patients because we believe no one should ever be turned away from the care they need.

We encourage you to request an appointment with our dentist in Springfield to learn more about dental implants, their success rate, and the supplemental procedures we have available. In no time, you’ll be back to eating the foods you love and smiling with confidence.