How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Due to their ability to mimic your natural tooth in function and appearance, as well as their ability to prevent bone loss by stimulating your jawbone, dental implants have become the go-to restoration method for patients that have lost one or several teeth. Given their increasing prevalence, many people wonder how long they are supposed to last.

With the proper care, a dental implant can last an entire lifetime. It is important to remember, though, that dental implants are comprised of three parts. These three parts are the titanium post that acts as the root, the abutment as the attachment piece, and the crown for restoration. While the implant can last for the rest of your life, a crown is designed to last approximately 10 to 15 years. With exceptional care, a crown may last longer than that. Replacing the crown is the easiest part of the implant for the dentist to replace, though.

Though an implant should last for many years, it is possible for an implant to fail. The best safeguard against this is to practice good oral hygiene. If you brush at least twice a day, floss, and make sure to go to the dentist every six months, then you will significantly decrease the chances of failure. If you do not practice good oral hygiene, you may end up developing gum disease. Gum disease may cause an implant to fail, but it is highly preventable. Additionally, systemic conditions, such as cancer and uncontrolled diabetes, can also cause an implant to fail. Finally, if you experience trauma to either the tooth or the jaw, that can also hinder the success of an implant.

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