How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants are among the longest-lasting tooth restorations available. But just like natural teeth, implants must be treated with proper care if you want to get the maximum life out of them. If you’re considering the dental implant procedure, it’s important to understand not only how long the implants last but also how to get the most long-term value out of your investment.
The Longevity of Dental Implants
You’ve probably heard it said that dental implants can last a lifetime, and it’s true—but there are a few caveats and nuances we have to address.
An implant has multiple components. First, there’s more to an implant than just the tooth. When we talk about traditional dental implants, there are actually three separate components: the post, the abutment, and the crown.
The post is the part that gets drilled into the bone. It’s typically constructed from titanium, a biocompatible material that fuses with the natural bone through a process called osseointegration. As a result, the post can usually last a lifetime with proper care.
The abutment is the cradle that attaches to the top of the post and holds the crown in place. Although the abutment doesn’t have as much reinforcement as the post, it should still last 15 years or more with proper care.
The crown is the artificial tooth that attaches to the abutment. Because it has the most wear and tear, it may need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years. However, this is usually a quick and simple procedure. Plus, with proper care, it’s absolutely possible to get 15 years out of a dental implant crown.
Proper care is essential. Once your implant is placed, it’s still very important to see a dentist for your bi-annual checkups and cleanings. In addition, your dentist should provide you with a list of dental hygiene essentials to help you get the maximum life from your dental implants. Learn how to treat your dental implants properly in our guide.
The type of implant also matters. When we talk about traditional implants, we’re referring mainly to endosteal implants—implants that are drilled into the jawbone via titanium posts. But there are other emerging implant technologies with their own lifespan considerations. All-on-four implants are a prime example.
Dental implants have more than a 97% success rate, and most patients are very satisfied with the procedure. As long as you rely on a skilled dentist and get the proper type of dental implant for your needs (while also caring for your teeth), you shouldn’t have to worry about any major issues down the line.
How Long Do All-on-Four Implants Last?
All-on-four implants are a cutting-edge implant solution that involves attaching a full set of upper or lower replacement teeth via four posts in the jaw. Because the posts are fused to the natural bone just like with traditional implants, you can likewise expect them to last a lifetime with proper care. The denture that’s attached to the posts will experience daily wear and tear, but it can last up to 20 years with proper care. In the event that the denture does eventually need to be replaced, the process is easy and non-invasive.
All-on-four implants can be an ideal solution for patients who need several upper or lower tooth replacements or who don’t have enough bone density for traditional endosteal implants. The procedure is less invasive than traditional implants when multiple replacements are required, and it’s also more cost-effective. In fact, all-on-four and all-on-six implants are often referred to as Teeth in a Day because the procedure is so quick. The recovery time is also short compared to other long-term tooth replacement options.
How to Get the Maximum Longevity From Dental Implants
As previously emphasized, proper oral care is required if you want to get the maximum life from your implants. Implant crowns are vulnerable to the effects of poor oral hygiene, gum disease, and tooth decay just like any natural tooth. Your implant dentist or oral surgeon will have suggestions to follow, but there are also some general guidelines to consider:
Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and preferably after every meal
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and low-abrasive toothpaste
Make sure to brush underneath and all around the implant crown(s)
Use an antiseptic mouthwash after brushing—swish it around for about 30 seconds
Floss every day with a floss that’s designed for implants
Use a water flosser (oral irrigator) once per day
Keep sugary foods to a minimum
Avoid chewing on hard foods like hard candy and ice
Visit your dentist at least twice a year for check-ups and cleanings
In addition, it’s very important to follow all of your dentist’s aftercare recommendations, as certain habits can reduce the odds of an implant’s success. For example, dentists will generally recommend that you abstain from alcohol for at least 3 days following implant surgery, as alcohol consumption can interfere with the osseointegration process. Dental implant failure is extremely rare, but you still have to be careful in those first few days.
Dental Implants Are a Lifetime Investment
Unlike dentures, which have to be completely replaced every 10 to 20 years, the dental implant procedure is designed to promote a lifetime of benefits. While you might need to swap out a crown or two in your lifetime, the implants themselves should always remain intact so long as you maintain good oral hygiene.
Talk to your dentist about the benefits of dental implants, and find out if you’d be a good candidate. If you have compromised or missing teeth, it’s one of the best investments you can make for your smile and your long-term oral health.