How Long Does a Dental Implant Last?

If you’re dealing with missing teeth, dental implants are one of the most effective ways to restore your smile.

Because they are made to look and function like natural teeth, dental implants play a huge role in supporting your overall oral health, such as preventing jaw bone loss.

With this procedure, the number one question patients have is how long they will last. The answer is: it depends.

Keep reading to understand why:

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Dental implants are artificial teeth made from three elements:

• Metal post
• Abutment
• Dental crown

The metal post is inserted into the jaw bone to replace the missing tooth’s root. The surgery itself is a fairly straightforward procedure, although patients will then enter a 6-month healing period called osseointegration.

During it, all the jawbone will merge with the metal post. Once that’s complete, the abutment, which is the attachment piece, and dental crown are added, effectively completing the restoration.

The Average Lifespan of a Dental Implant

A dental implant is a permanent procedure since it’s very unlikely for a patient to need the entire reconstruction replaced.

In most cases, when talking about a damaged dental implant, it refers to the dental crown. Since you use it for your daily chewing needs, the dental crown is subjected to regular wear and tear.

A crown can last around 10-15 years, possibly even longer with proper maintenance.

If a crown is damaged, it can be replaced without affecting the abutment or metal post.

There are some cases where the abutment and post might be affected, but they are rare. It can happen in case of direct trauma to the mouth, or severe dental issues like gum disease, which threaten the bone and gum tissue. Should this happen, the integrity of the implant could be severely affected.

How to Properly Care for a Dental Implant

With the right maintenance, you don’t have to worry about replacing your dental crown too soon.

Here are some tips to consider:

• Brush your teeth twice a day, at least, and floss daily
• Avoid chewing on hard objects or very hard foods like nuts or ice
• Use fluoride products (toothpaste, mouthwash)
• Drink tap water after every meal
• Stop smoking
• Increase your consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables to increase salivation
• Wear a mouthguard to avoid grinding your teeth while you sleep
• See a dentist for routine consultations and professional dental cleanings

Getting Dental Implants at ​​Fox Point Dental Studio

Your first step towards getting a dental implant in Fox Point is to see Dr. Major or Dr. Krenzke for an appointment and find out if you’re a good candidate. But, if you have currently good oral health, then most likely dental implants are right for you.

To get started, book a consultation online, or call our practice at (414) 236-5885 to find out more about dental implants.