How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically placed in the jawbone and act as artificial tooth roots. Once in place, dental implants can be used to support dental bridges, dental crowns, or dentures. Many people choose dental implants because they are a long-term solution for missing teeth. In fact, dental implants have a success rate of over 95% and can last a lifetime with proper care.
However, it is important to note that dental implants require a surgical procedure and can take several months to heal. Additionally, dental implants are not suitable for everyone and may not be an option for patients with certain health conditions. If you are considering dental implants, be sure to talk to your dentist about whether or not they are right for you.
The short answer is that dental implants, the titanium screws that fuse with your jawbone, are made to last a lifetime. The visible part of the tooth-replacement system, the dental crown, however, must be replaced every 5 to 15 years.
The Components of a Dental Implant
A dental implant is designed to function as a complete tooth replacement system. A dental implant consists of three components:
- A titanium implant
The implant is a small post secured in place of the old tooth’s root during implant surgery. It provides a secure anchor to support the dental crown. If properly cared for, the titanium post can last a lifetime.
- An abutment
An abutment screws into the implant base and connects it to the crown. The top of the abutment sits above the patient’s gum line.
- A dental crown
The crown is the only part of the dental implant you can see after implant surgery is complete. The crown is crafted from resin, porcelain, ceramic, metal, or porcelain fused to metal to look and function like a natural tooth.
Most dental crowns last 5 to 15 years, but some high-quality crowns can last for 25 years or more with an excellent oral hygiene regimen and biannual dental checkups.
Factors Impacting the Lifespan of your Dental Implants
After you’ve had a successful dental surgery, additional factors often impact how long your implants will last, including how you use your teeth, the placement of your implants, and your diet and lifestyle choices.
The Placement Within Your Mouth
The location of the dental implant within your mouth can impact how much stress the crown will be under daily. If your dental implant replaces a molar or incisor, it will be responsible for more grinding and tearing, producing more wear and tear on your crown.
Diet and Lifestyle Choices
Excessive sugar or refined carbohydrate intake also encourages the growth and spread of plaque, which can further speed the growth of harmful bacteria, making a later-stage implant failure more likely. While your dental implant won’t require a filling because it can’t get a cavity, you can get gingivitis if you don’t brush and floss effectively.
Caring for a Dental Implant
Carefully follow the hygiene advice of your dentist both before and after dental implant surgery. This helps your mouth heal wholly and efficiently. Once your implant site has healed, maintain excellent oral hygiene. Brush at least twice a day and once before bed with fluoride toothpaste.
Daily flossing helps protect your gums, remove hidden bacteria and plaque, and keep your mouth healthy, which protects your dental implant. Patients can incorporate traditional flossing, water flossing, or air flossing into their daily routine.