How long do dental implants last? From proper oral hygiene to lifestyle habits, discover what affects the lifespan of your implants.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

On average, dental implants will last anywhere from 10-30 years. Some people even keep their implants for longer. This means that depending on your age, your teeth, and how well you care for your implants, you can consider them a permanent solution!



Keep in mind, however, that not every part of the implant is so long-lasting. You will likely have to replace the outermost part of the implant, the crown, once every 15-20 years. However, this change does not require additional surgeries, and a good implant dentist can often perform the procedure in no time.

What Makes Them So Long-Lasting?

Unlike other oral prosthetics, implants mimic your natural teeth in more ways than one. Not only do they look like your natural teeth, but they also sit in your jaw in the same way your other teeth do.

During implant surgery, your dentist will place a small screw or cylinder called a "post" into your jawbone. This post will then bond with your bone tissue. This fusing process is what allows you to treat implants like you would any other tooth: they're functional, durable, and non-removable.

Another reason they last so long is the materials used in the procedure. The post always consists of a biocompatible material like titanium. This durable metal allows your implants to sit in or on your jawbone for decades.



Atop this post, your dentist will place a crown. Most crowns are made of durable materials like porcelain. This material is easy to match to the color of your natural tooth, and it can withstand the wear and tear of constant biting and chewing for years.

What Can Cause Early Failure?

Despite the durability of the implant materials, there is always a small risk of implant failure. Some factors make you more likely to experience this:

Implant Placement

Poor implant placement or tissue trauma during the procedure can put you at risk of implant failure. That's why it's important to choose the best provider by finding a dentist with experience, training, and a solid reputation.

Insufficient Bone

If you don't have enough bone tissue to support the implant, your implant may not stay in place. Your dentist will always do an extensive examination of your jawbone before recommending implants.

Some patients may need to get a bone graft before getting implants. Others may choose implant options like subperiosteal implants, which sit atop the jawbone.

If you experience bone loss later in life, your implant may fail.

Age

Younger adults experience a higher dental implant success rate than older adults. However, older adults in good health may still have high success rates.

Medical Conditions

Certain health conditions can cause implant failure. If you have underlying conditions like diabetes, osteoporosis, certain cancers, autoimmune disorders, bleeding disorders, or cardiovascular disorders, your dentist may recommend alternatives to implants.

Sometimes, medications for your health conditions can also put you at a greater risk. Radiation therapy and certain blood-thinning medications, for example, can influence the stability of your implants.

Smoking

Smoking wreaks havoc on your oral hygiene and health, and it can even cause premature implant failure. Because smoking reduces blood flow, it can hinder the healing process after surgery. It's a good idea to quit smoking after getting implants, but it's even more important to do so during the initial procedure and healing period.

Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding, or "bruxism," can put excess force on your implants.



Though they consist of durable materials, the force of a human bite is stronger than you might think! Over time, wear and tear can require you to replace the crown early or even cause the implant to fail completely. If you grind your teeth, work on curbing the habit.

How Do You Enjoy Their Full Lifespan?

Proper dental implant care is the key to enjoying the full lifespan of your implants. Your implants can't get cavities like your natural teeth, but they can still accumulate bacteria and plaque. This, in turn, can wreak havoc on your oral health, which can impact the support your implant gets from the surrounding soft tissue.

Maintain Your Oral Hygiene

You don't have to do anything special to care for your implants, but you do need to care for them! Brush twice a day and floss at least once, as recommended by your dentist. This can help you avoid gum disease, which can put your implants at risk.

Attend Your Check-Ups

Implants are not a one-and-done procedure. You'll need to follow up with your dentist to make sure that your implants continue to perform well.



After the healing period, visiting SmileOn Dentistry for routine check-ups can help you maintain your dental health. Regular cleanings and fluoride treatments are ideal, and these appointments also give your dentist the chance to check for any issues with your implants as the years pass.

Get More From Your Dental Implants

If you're hoping to achieve a beautiful, long-lasting smile, you're in luck! Dental implants can last for decades under the right conditions and with proper care. With the tips above, you'll be better poised to enjoy the full lifespan of your new implants.

Now that you've stopped wondering "How long do dental implants last?" it's time to ask your dentist whether these prosthetics are right for you!



At SmileOn Dentistry, we're proud to be Centreville's trusted partner in dental health for patients of all ages. With our individualized treatment plans and state-of-the-art dental equipment, we'll help you achieve the smile of your dreams with implants! To learn more, book a consultation today.