How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

“How long do dental implants last?” Here’s what you need to know.

Dental implants represent the top choice for tooth replacement today. They can replace a single tooth or serve as an anchor for bridges or dentures. Among the many advantages of dental implants is their remarkable longevity. They are the most durable option for replacing missing teeth.

Dental implants boast an average lifespan of 10 to 30 years, making them a durable choice for tooth replacement. Depending on your age and when you undergo implantation, they can potentially last a lifetime. In comparison to other tooth replacement options, dental implants provide unmatched longevity, ensuring lasting dental health investment for years to come.

A comprehensive 20-year study involving 12,500 dental implants revealed an impressive 93% survival rate over 17 years. Initially, around 2% of implants failed within the first year. However, the survival rate saw only a 5% decrease over the subsequent sixteen years.

In a smaller but lengthier 30-year study, dental implants exhibited remarkable longevity beyond the 20-year mark. Notably, not a single implant failed during the entire 30-year period, resulting in a 100% survival rate.

It’s important to note that most individuals receiving dental implants are in the 50+ age bracket, with the average lifespan in the US hovering around 80 years. Considering these factors and the implants’ lifespan, recipients can expect to retain their implants for the remainder of their lives, typically not surpassing the 30-year mark.

What contributes to the longevity of dental implants? Why do they surpass other tooth replacement options in durability? It’s all about their structure.

A dental implant is similar to an artificial tooth and has three parts: the root, the middle part (abutment), and the top part (crown). The root, usually made of titanium, looks like a screw with threads. Dentists put this screw into your jawbone during a small surgery. It can stick well to your jawbone over a few months. This sticking together is called “osseointegration.” Once it happens, the bond becomes strong and can last for many years, making dental implants last long.

Once your implant root has fused well with the bone, usually after a few months, an abutment and crown can be added. The abutment is a small post that goes from the root through the gums to support the crown. Crowns are often made of tough porcelain that looks like natural tooth enamel.

While the implant root can last many years, the crown part might not. Usually, crowns last about 10-15 years before they need replacing due to regular use. Some crowns might last longer, but that’s the usual timeframe. Since the crown costs less than the whole implant, replacing it once or twice in your lifetime isn’t a big deal.

To ensure your dental implant lasts for years, you need to follow some basic maintenance steps:

• You may maintain proper oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly. For optimal dental and gum health, brush twice daily and floss at least once. While your implant is resistant to decay, overall oral health is essential for supporting its longevity and the health of surrounding tissues.
• Schedule regular dental visits every six months to ensure your teeth and gum are healthy, supporting the stability of your implant. These appointments also enable your dentist to identify potential issues like gum disease that could impact your implant.
• Avoid smoking, as it can significantly affect your dental implant’s health. Smoking inhibits blood flow to the gums, hindering the healing process and osseointegration, which is essential for the implant to bond properly with the jawbone.
• Adopt a healthy lifestyle to bolster your dental health. Strong bones are crucial for ensuring your jaw adequately supports your implant and other teeth. With approval from your doctor, consider incorporating calcium and potassium supplements into your diet to promote bone health and overall well-being.

While dental implants have a high success rate, complications such as infection, implant failure, bone loss, and peri-implantitis (inflammation around the implant) can occur and impact the longevity of the implant.

While dental implants are designed to be a permanent solution, their longevity can vary from person to person. Factors such as age, overall health, bone density, and maintenance habits can affect how long an implant lasts.