Dental implants are designed to be a long-term solution for the replacement of missing teeth. With good oral hygiene and regular dental care, an implant can last for decades, and the implant post itself may potentially last a lifetime.
However, individual outcomes depend on several factors, including oral hygiene, gum health, bone health, smoking, and the forces placed on the implant when you bite and chew. To help us understand dental implant longevity, this blog looks at the structure of the dental implant, and six factors that impact its lifespan.
The Two Parts of an Implant
A dental implant looks like a natural tooth once treatment is complete, but the appliance consists of two components that work together but do not necessarily have the same lifespan.
The first is the implant fixture, often called the implant post. This titanium post is attached to the jawbone and serves as an artificial tooth root. Over time, the bone integrates with the implant through a process called osseointegration, creating a stable foundation for the replacement tooth.
The second important component is the restoration, which includes the abutment and the crown, which is the visible, tooth-shaped portion you use when eating and speaking.
The implant post does not decay the way a natural tooth can. However, the crown experiences normal chewing forces every day, which can cause it to wear out or require replacement. If the implant itself and the surrounding bone remain healthy, the crown can often be repaired or replaced without disturbing the integrated implant post beneath it.
6 Factors That Impact Dental Implant Longevity
Oral Hygiene
Daily oral hygiene that protects the gums and bone that support the implant is one of the biggest factors you can control in how long the implant lasts. Although an implant itself cannot develop a cavity, plaque can still collect around the gumline and surrounding tissues. That is why implants and the surrounding gumline need to be kept clean by brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Flossing once daily also helps you remove food particles from areas around the restoration.
Gum Health
Gum inflammation around an implant should not be ignored. When inflammation affects the tissues around the implant and progresses to involve the supporting bone, it can threaten the implant’s long-term stability. The good news is that gum health is something you and your dental team can actively manage through regular dental visits. Be sure to report any changes to your oral health, such as tender, bleeding, or red gums around the implant, so your dentist can investigate.
Bone Health
An implant depends on the surrounding jawbone for support. Strong, healthy bone helps keep the implant securely anchored, so good hygiene and regular dental visits support its long-term stability. Dental health also helps support a strong jawbone. Because an implant is anchored in the jawbone and handles chewing forces much like a natural tooth root, it helps transmit those forces into the surrounding bone. This stimulation encourages the jawbone to continue doing what it is designed to do: stimulate the bone the way a natural root does.
Smoking
Tobacco use can negatively affect gum and oral health, which is particularly important because healthy tissues around an implant are essential to its long-term stability. Reducing or quitting smoking can therefore be one of the most effective steps you can take to support both your oral health and the longevity of your implant. If you smoke and are considering an implant, or already have one, speak with your dental team about how smoking may affect your individual situation. You can also discuss healthy, sustainable ways to quit altogether.
Teeth Grinding and Bite Forces
Clenching or grinding your teeth can contribute to wear on the crown or mechanical issues with the restoration. It can also place uneven pressure on the implant. Fortunately, teeth grinding is manageable. A custom night guard may help protect both your natural teeth and implant restoration from excessive grinding forces. Your dentist can also check your bite during regular visits to make sure the implant crown is not taking more force than it should.
Regular Dental Visits
Regular dental visits allow your dentist and hygienist to monitor the implant, its surrounding gums, and your bite. These appointments provide an opportunity for your dental team to professionally clean around the implant and identify small changes before they become more significant concerns. One specific condition dentists monitor for is peri-implantitis, which involves inflammation around an implant that affects the gum and, if it progresses, the bone supporting the implant. It can be reversed if caught early at the gum-inflammation stage. Plaque buildup is an important contributing factor to peri-implantitis, which is why consistent cleaning and regular dental visits are so critical to helping your implant last as long as possible.
Signs Your Implant May Need Attention from Your Dentist
Although most dental implants remain healthy for many years, there are signs to watch for that may suggest your implant needs to be evaluated by your dentist. Consider booking a dentist appointment if you notice:
- Tenderness, redness or bleeding around the implant
- Gums that appear to be pulling away from the implant
- A crown or restoration that feels loose or different when biting
- A noticeable change in the way your bite feels
The team at Yonge Eglinton Dental can assess your implant and the tissues around it. Whether you have specific concerns about your oral health, need to discuss treatment options for a dental condition, or simply want to book a checkup, we are here to help you enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile for life.
Learn More About How Long Dental Implants Last from Our Dentists at Yonge and Eglinton
Contact Yonge Eglinton Dental when you are ready to optimize your family’s oral health. We will work together to ensure your teeth and gums look great and are as strong and healthy as possible. Make an appointment today by calling 416-932-2222 or booking online. We look forward to seeing you!
Frequently Asked Questions About How Long Dental Implants Last
How long do dental implants last?
With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, dental implants are designed to be a long-term solution. The titanium implant post can last for decades and may potentially last a lifetime when it remains healthy and well supported. The crown attached to the implant may eventually need to be replaced due to normal wear from chewing.
Do dental implants last forever?
The implant post is designed to be a permanent, long-term foundation, but no dentist can guarantee that every implant will last forever. With healthy gums, a strong jawbone, and consistent care, an implant may potentially last a lifetime.
How long does an implant crown last?
An implant crown is designed to last many years, but it may eventually show normal wear due to daily chewing forces. If the crown needs to be replaced, the integrated implant post may remain in place.
What is the most common reason an implant has problems?
A major long-term concern is inflammation of the gum and bone around the implant. Good daily cleaning and regular dental visits help reduce this risk and allow potential issues to be identified early.
Can I make my dental implant last longer?
Yes. Brushing and flossing consistently, maintaining healthy gums, avoiding smoking, protecting your teeth if you grind them, and attending regular dental checkups can all support long-term implant health.
Will I need to replace my dental implant?
Not necessarily. A well-integrated and well-maintained implant post is designed to remain in place long-term. If something needs attention over the years, it is often the crown or restoration on top rather than the implant post itself.
