How Long Does a Dental Implant Last?

Whether you were in a major accident or looking to repair long term wear and tear, you may be looking into dental implants. Dental implants are anchored into the bones supporting your teeth, and to which either a single tooth, or even compatible dentures, can be mounted.  There are many questions and concerns around dental implants, the biggest of which may be how long does a dental implant last?The answer is not as simple as it may seem. Dental implants are a significant operation that needs to result in a dentition that is both aesthetically pleasing and mechanically functional.  This requires a lot of care and maintenance to keep going.

Let us delve deeper and see how caring for dental implants can impact their longevity.

How Long Does a Dental Implant Last?

Dental implants, when you care for them and maintain them well, should last a lifetime. There are limits to everything, but even with average care, a dental implant can last up to 25 years or more.

As with your teeth, the key to a dental implant lasting comes from proper maintenance, but there are other reasons for failure as well.

Reasons for Failure

Often, when your dental implant shows signs of infection, it is a failure on one or all of these 4 factors. Keeping up with these elements can make sure your mouth stays happy and healthy.

1. The Patient’s own Hygiene Regimen

Brushing and flossing remain the strongest ways to help prevent damage and decay in your mouth. Dental implants don’t change this, and many implants fail far too soon when people neglect their basic dental practices.

Keeping a consistent regimen of cleaning and care can go a long way, but even that cannot prevent other issues from arising.  It's also strongly recommended to have a professional cleaning at least every 6 months. 

2. Biting and Chewing

Many people do not consider how or what they bite into and chew to affect their teeth health. The obvious issues come from biting into hard items over and over. The more rigid and jagged the item is, the more it will dig and scrape into your dental implants.

Grinding your teeth is also another common but hidden issue most people have. This can be a result of stress, poor eating habits, or even jaw misalignment.

3. Implant Quality and Location

Sometimes the problem can be the implant itself. If the implant comes from cheaper materials or not made to a certain quality, it can break down fast. Installation can be a key factor. If an inexperienced dentist put your implant in wrong, it may break down fast.

Even a quality implant in an awkward location can reduce its overall lifespan. The teeth in the back of your mouth receive a good deal more pressure than those in your front, so implants back there can wear down faster.

4. The Introduction of Damaging Substances

The introduction of damaging substances can also contribute to implant failure. The biggest two are smoking and drinking. Any tobacco product can wear away at the gums and teeth, leaving them open to disease and failure. Even extra amounts of cleaning may not be enough to keep up.

Drinking may have more subtle impacts, but heavy amounts of alcohol can still wear down tooth and gum health, leaving your implants vulnerable.

My Philosophy

I am certified in multiple implant products, and I consider myself to be quite experienced in the field of dental implants.  Personally, I choose to involve an Oral Surgeon for the implantation of the anchor of the system I choose, as they specialize in procedures altering the bones of the jaw and mouth.  We work very closely, because as the cosmetic dentist, I am the one who designs the finished prosthetics and your overall smile architecture, making sure your teeth align properly and functionally.

I perform this service in my West Hartford Center dental office and my New Britain dental office.  If you have missing teeth or you are currently wearing traditional dentures but would like implant-supported dentures, contact us online, or call us at 860-561-2121.

With a better understanding of how long a dental implant lasts, you can make an informed decision on whether a dental implant is right for you. The good news is that if you maintain a healthy oral lifestyle, dental implants will be a fine addition that will last you a lifetime!

Keep smiling,

Dr.Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD is a private practice dentist with offices in West Hartford Center and  New Britain, Connecticut.  She is a Clinical Instructor at the UConn School of Dental Medicine, and has won several awards naming her regional “Best Dentist” and “Top Dentist.” She is an active member of the Connecticut State Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Tel: 860-561-2121