How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
While most clinical cases see dental implants lasting between 20 and 30 years, the true lifespan depends on how our patients care for their new fake teeth and how well they follow their oral hygiene routine.
Generally speaking, dental implants can last 30 years or more with the right care and maintenance. However, the longevity of your dental implant will entirely depend on the materials used, the design, surface treatments, and overall quality. The success and full lifespan of your dental implant will also depend on your circumstances and the expertise of the dental professional. That said, let’s dive deep into what can affect the lifespan of dental implants…
Factors that affect the lifespan
The choice of brand can influence the durability of your dental implants. For example, Straumann and Nobel Biocare are two leading brands in the industry known for extensive research-backed products that report high survival rates over 10 years and beyond. Plus, it’s well-reported that high-quality titanium or zirconia implants last the longest. Be aware that varying brands might use varying grades and alloys of these materials, affecting the product's durability and biocompatibility.
However, while the choice of brand plays a significant role, it’s important to understand that other factors, such as a patient’s oral hygiene, bone quality, and overall health (as well as the skill of the dental surgeon), also affect the success and longevity of dental implant.
Regular follow-ups and correct aftercare protocols are also crucial for the long-term success of any dental implant, regardless of the brand used. With the right care, just like regular teeth, your dental implant will be less likely to fail.
The quality and density of bone around the implant site can significantly affect the implant’s longevity. As dental implants act like artificial tooth roots, they’re implanted deep into the jawbone. However, as bone loss is common in patients with missing teeth, there’s not always enough bone to securely hold the dental implant. That said, the dentist should check the density of bone when planning your treatment. In some cases, you might need a bone graft to ensure stable and secure implantation.
How to prolong the lifespan of dental implants?
Dental implants require no special care or maintenance, so treat them like natural teeth (brushing and flossing twice daily).
However, some lifestyle considerations and changes should be made, like maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, limiting alcohol consumption (everything in moderation), and avoiding smoking.
To protect the dental implant, patients should be careful when biting down on hard foods and avoiding them where possible. Chewing on foods like ice, bones, and candy can damage the dental crown, which is easily repairable but costly.
If you engage in sports or rigorous activities where there might be an impact on your mouth or teeth, then it’s recommended to wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and implants from any unexpected impact, which could dislodge your artificial tooth.
With this said, it’s important to note that your dental implant should not move around at all, so if you notice that it’s loose or wobbly, you should seek dental intervention as soon as possible.
