How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
If you are considering dental implants to restore lost or damaged teeth, you may wonder how long they last.
Generally speaking, dental implants are designed as a permanent solution to tooth loss and may last up to 25 years.
However, the average life span is more likely between 10 and 20 years.
While dental implants are durable and can last a lifetime with proper care, there are instances when dental implants can fail.
So, let’s explore:
- The average lifespan of a dental implant
- What can affect their lifespan
- How to prolong their lifespan
- What are the advantages of dental implants
The average lifespan of a dental implant
Each implant has three components, so the life span is tricky to pin down.
Each part is made from different materials and has a different role. Another factor, which we’ll cover later, is implant placement.
The implant, or post, lasts the longest as it is inserted within the jawbone.
Next comes the abutment. The last component is what you would recognize as the tooth, commonly known as the crown.
The crown is the part with the most pressure from constant exposure to food and drink.
What can affect the lifespan of a dental implant?
As we’ve already discovered, the lifespan of dental implants can be between 10 and 20 years if properly cared for and maintained.
As with any dental treatment, different factors can reduce the lifespan of a dental implant.
- Oral health: How you care for your teeth and mouth in general.
- Lifestyle choices: Your choices of food and drink as well as smoking.
- Injury or damage: Sports injuries or simply grinding your teeth.
- Medical conditions: Gum disease, sleep disorders, diabetes/prediabetes, etc.
- Which teeth are replaced: Different teeth have specific roles, such as chewing. This changes the amount of wear and tear they’ll suffer with time.
One or more of these elements and oral health can affect how long dental implants last.
How to prolong the life of your dental implant
Now that we understand the importance of good oral and lifestyle habits to extend the life of dental implants, let’s look further at each.
Dental implants can be cared for in the same way as your natural teeth. Brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing will help keep your gums and teeth healthy.
Just because your teeth are artificial doesn’t mean you shouldn’t attend regular dental checkups. Your mouth requires regular checkups to prevent additional damage to any natural teeth and your gums.
Even if you maintain high levels of oral hygiene, other factors can cause problems.
The habit of smoking can affect recovery and the longer-term health of your implants, as well as your natural teeth and general health.
Alcohol can also affect any treatment recovery as it thins the blood. You should wait at least 72 hours after a procedure to consume alcohol.
Avoid hard or sticky foods immediately after a procedure. These can cause damage to newly placed implants and natural teeth.
What are the advantages of dental implants?
Implants have several advantages over other dental treatments, such as dentures:
- Feel more natural and comfortable
- Have a higher success rate
- Improve your chewing function
- Lead to a lower risk of cavities developing in nearby teeth
- Lead to better maintenance of bone at the site of the lost tooth
One of the more significant benefits of dental implants, when compared to dentures, is that they don’t need to be taken out and cleaned every night.
Final thoughts
Overall, dental implants can be a permanent solution for missing teeth, but there are no guarantees.
It is essential to follow your dentist’s instructions and maintain good oral hygiene to ensure the long-term success of your dental implants.
You can download our free ebook about Dental implants by Dr. Rule here or call us today!
Or:
- Call us: 847-662-7717
- Email us: info@ruledds.com
Rule Dentistry in Gurnee, ILThis link opens in Google Maps, is honored to serve the areas of Gurnee, Grayslake, Lindenhurst, Wadsworth, Libertyville, Lake Villa, Waukegan, Antioch, Vernon Hills, Winthrop Harbor, and Mundelein.
