The Lifespan of Dental Implants: What to Expect

Dental implants are a major investment for your long-term oral health, so understanding how long they last and what you can do on your end to maintain them is a natural question in many patients’ minds upon researching if dental implants are right for them.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care and cleaning. The longest functional implant is a lower jaw tooth that’s lasted for 56 years (and counting)! Part of the benefit of dental implants is the fact that they are intended to replace your existing tooth, not just cover up a missing part of your smile. With the metal implant acting as a tooth root, and the durable crown on top creating a sturdy foundation to bite down on, your dental implant should look, feel, and function just like a natural tooth for a lifetime of wear.  

How Dental Implants Work

Implants last because they mimic the same structure as your teeth. So, instead of putting a tooth below the gumline, the process involves setting a metal post into the jaw. By going deep below the gums, much like your natural tooth roots do, it takes the place of the natural tooth.  

The implant, which is made from an exceptionally durable metal, fuses to the jawbone and the bone supports the implant for the next few decades. The healing time of each person will vary, with some posts fusing within a few weeks and others fusing within a few months.  

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

A dental implant and a crown are technically two separate components: the implant refers to the metal post and the crown refers to the false tooth. If you’re wondering if the implant will last as long as the crown, the answer is that it ultimately depends on the crown.  

Crowns may last closer to 10 – 15 years, though it all depends on how well you take care of them and the types of material you choose. Crown technology has come a very long way in the last few years, so even the most economical choices tend to last for at least 5 – 10 years. If you have concerns over what type of material is best for you (and your budget), it helps to talk to a transparent dentist who will be upfront with you about your options.  

How Can I Keep My Implants for Longer?

The best way to keep your implant in Greendale, IN or longer is to keep up with everyday dental hygiene and schedule regular exams:

• Oral hygiene: Brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. While crowns may not get cavities, your implant is negatively affected by surrounding bacteria and plaque. If your natural teeth or gums begin to weaken and decay, you’ll eventually see the integrity of your implant begin to decay, too.  

• Visit your dentist: Seeing your dentist for a cleaning is usually recommended at least twice a year, though for patients at higher risk, it makes sense to visit them more often. Your dentist can not only keep your gums and teeth clean, but they can also tell you more about how your implant and crown are holding up over time.  

• Shift your lifestyle: From smoking to obesity to malnutrition, your lifestyle has a lot to do with your oral health. The more you take care of your everyday health, the less likely you are to have problems with your implants.  

Dental implant care in Greendale doesn't have to be a difficult or involved process. Part of getting it right is finding a team that can help you adjust to your new tooth, so it's easier to keep up with better habits. At Oyler Family Dentistry, our team is here to help you demystify dental implants, giving you the information and the financial options you need to find the best dental solutions! Contact us today for a consultation.

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