Dental Implants |3 min read

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

woman smiling outside

The quick answer:

The post itself is permanent and will last a lifetime (when taken care of properly).

But, wait!

There’s more to making dental implants last than just relying on their durability.

Keep reading to find out what you can do to extend the lifetime of your dental implants, how often you should replace them, and more.

How often do dental implants have to be replaced?

Your dental implant is made up of three parts: the post, the abutment, and the crown.

The post can last a lifetime with proper oral care.

Typically, your dental crown needs to be replaced every 15 to 20 years.

The location of your dental implant also plays a role in how long your dental crown will last.

For example:

Crowns in the back of your mouth are more likely to wear out a bit faster than ones towards the front of your mouth because you’ll use these teeth more for chewing.

You’ll need to replace a dental implant if it becomes:

  • Loose
  • Infected
  • Damaged

So, while they’re not necessarily permanent, the lifespan of a dental implant will last you years to come.

The best way to keep up with your implant care is to visit your dentist every six months for a regular check-up.

What can I do to take care of dental implants?

You can extend its lifespan with great oral hygiene.

The best way to take care of your implants is to:

  • Avoid chewing hard or sticky foods
  • Brushing and flossing regularly
  • Visiting your dentist for routine check-ups

Would dental implants work like my regular teeth?

Yes – they provide the long-term solution to replace missing teeth, repair broken ones, and support removable and permanent teeth.

They require the same care as normal teeth, as they do work like normal teeth.

What’s the success rate?

Dental implants are highly effective. The success rate is 96-98%! 

Dentists and specialists have advanced technology and training to accurately place the implant and ensure it fuses successfully with your jawbone.

As long as you’re a candidate for dental implants, your implant procedure should be a success.

Who is not suitable for dental implants?

A couple of factors determine if it wouldn’t be the best option for you.

For example, certain medications, such as ones that affect the immune system, may not respond well to dental implants.

Those who grind or clench their teeth, especially at night, may cause long-term damage to the implants.

Other factors in determining if you’re a candidate or not include:

  • Age: Dental implants are usually recommended for individuals whose facial growth and development are finished. It’s around 16 years old for girls and about 18 years old for boys.
  • Health: Your health is essential in determining how well your body will respond to the procedure. Heavy smoking, chronic diseases like diabetes, or radiation therapy around your neck or head area requires further evaluation by your dentist.
  • Jawbone amount: Dental implants need a certain amount of supporting jawbone around the area for your implant. You may need a bone augmentation (or an alternative dental implant) if you don’t have the necessary amount.

Schedule a consultation with your dental provider to find the best option for you.

Ready to smile with confidence and eat freely again?

At Mint Dental of Franklin, we believe everyone deserves access to high-quality dentistry.

With Dr. Olga Krikunenko’s training and expertise, your dental implant procedure will be anxiety-free.

We welcome all patients in and surrounding Medway, Wrentham, Norfolk, and Franklin, MA.

Schedule your appointment today!

Or: