How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants can enhance the quality of your life by boosting your self-confidence and improving your chewing function, as well as your overall nutrition. However, considering that getting dental implants is a costly surgical procedure that requires several months for recovery, people want to know: How long do dental implants last? Please read our article to learn the answer to this question and the tips on how to make your implants last longer.

Dental implants consist of two main parts: the implants themselves (titanium screw-like posts surgically inserted into the jawbone to act similar to roots of natural teeth) and dental crowns attached to the posts.

The posts and the crowns have different longevity. Thus, the implants will ideally last for decades or even a lifetime, providing that you have good oral health and avoid physical trauma. Crowns, on the other hand, typically should be replaced every 10 to 15 years. Even though they are made of durable and stain-resistant materials, such as porcelain or zirconia, they are still not invincible. They will wear out over time due to the constant pressure and friction caused by chewing.

Signs That It Is Time to Replace Your Dental Implants

Firstly, let us look at the signs that might indicate that the crowns attached to the implants are due to be replaced:

Crowns appear discolored or stained
Crowns are chipped or cracked
Crowns are insatiable and move when you touch them or chew food
Crowns feel uncomfortable in the mouth (for example, in the way they fit with other teeth when you close your mouth)

Here are some of the common symptoms that may signify issues with the implants themselves:

Persistent pain or soreness in the implant area or pain that occurs when you chew food or bite down on your implant
Swollen, red, or darkened gums around the implant
Pus or discharge from the space where the gum connects to the implant
Pimples or cysts on the gum tissue surrounding the implant
Signs of gum recession (when gum tissue pulls away from the implant)
Persistent unpleasant smell at the implant area or bad taste in the mouth

Any of the symptoms we listed above require immediate medical attention, as they can be indicators of severe infection or periodontal disease and can lead to implant failure. Thus, we recommend consulting your doctor as soon as possible.

How to Make Your Dental Implants Last Longer

We recommend following the tips listed below to ensure your implants serve you for years to come.

Make Sure Your Oral Hygiene Routine Is Sufficient

As we mentioned before, oral health issues, such as tooth decay or gum disease, can lead to dental implant failure. On top of that, gum disease can destroy the jaw bone and make future dental implant surgery impossible.

Good oral hygiene maintenance should consist of the following steps:

Use a water flosser as the first step of your hygiene routine to loosen plaque and food debris and clean thoroughly along the gum line.
Brush your teeth for two full minutes with fluoride toothpaste, paying special attention to cleaning in hard-to-reach areas in the mouth and along the gum line.
Floss with traditional flossing thread or interdental brushes every evening.
Make appointments with your dentist at least twice a year for professional cleanings and checkups.

Be Mindful of What You Eat

To prevent damage to your implants, we recommend avoiding foods that are crunchy, hard, or sticky. Also, limit staining foods and drinks, such as berries, coffee, tea, soda, curry, berries, etc., to prevent discoloration of your crowns.

Protect Your Implants From Physical Damage

Wear a mouthguard when playing sports, especially those with extreme or contact elements, and never use your teeth as tools. Additionally, if you have bruxism—involuntary teeth grinding and jaw clenching—it can cause the crowns to wear off more quickly or damage the implanted posts. Thus, we recommend consulting your dentist to address this issue.

Have a Balanced Diet

Ensure that you get a sufficient amount of minerals, vitamins, and protein to maintain strong and healthy bones and tissue in your body and help it fight off bacteria and infections.

Get Reliable Dental Implants at Absolute Family Dentistry

The success of your dental implant surgery and the longevity of the implants depend significantly on the skill and experience of the dentist performing the procedure. Highly qualified dental implant specialists at Absolute Family Dentistry use state-of-the-art methods and reliable materials to provide our clients with long-lasting dental implants. Please do not hesitate to call our office today to schedule an appointment.