When you’re considering whether to get a dental implant, there’s a lot to think about. You’re likely wondering about how naturally you’ll be able to eat, how comfortably you’ll be able to smile, and what your healing process will look like.
Another question you might have is “Do dental implants last forever?”. Luckily, dental implants are solutions that restore your missing teeth with artificial ones that look and feel just like the ones you used to have. And, they’re very long-lasting — they have the potential to endure a lifetime.
In the following guide, we will answer all of your questions surrounding the lifespan of dental implants and provide an abundance of advice on how to properly care for them. When it comes to dental implants, our top priority is helping you achieve a healthy and natural smile that lasts.
What Are Dental Implants Made Of?
A dental implant is made up of two main parts: the ‘implant’ itself, which is a titanium or zirconia screw that is anchored into the jawbone, and the ‘crown,’ which is a tooth-like cap that is made of porcelain or ceramic and attached on top of the implant via an ‘abutment’.
The implant fuses with your bone and functions as a new tooth root, while the crown is the visible part. Together, they resemble and act just like a natural tooth, allowing you to eat and speak clearly and confidently.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
As a whole, dental implants are designed to be a permanent, lifelong replacement for missing teeth. They offer a very durable fix that restores the function of your smile for good.
Because of the materials they’re made of however, the different components of your restoration have varying lifespans.
The Implant Post
With proper care, the implant screw itself can last a lifetime. Since it is fused into your jawbone, it becomes a permanent fixture and can bolster bone strength and function.
Because the implant post is made of metal, it is less susceptible to the wear and tear that a softer material can experience.
The Crown
Though crowns also last a long time, at some point they may require a refresh. Typically, the average lifespan of a dental crown is 10–15 years. In many cases, crowns can last longer (sometimes 20+ years) with excellent oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.
The reason crowns don’t last as long as the implant posts they sit on is because they experience more natural wear and tear from years of use. The softer porcelain or ceramic they’re made of is slightly more delicate and prone to chips, cracks, or loosening over time.
The good news is that replacing the crown is a straightforward, routine process. Even if it’s needed, it doesn’t mean the implant has failed. It is just standard maintenance.
Maintaining and Monitoring Your Implant Over Time
Once you’ve gone through the time and effort of having your smile restored, there’s plenty you can do to prolong your dental implant lifespan. As your gums and bone surrounding your implant are natural, they will still need tending to ensure your overall oral health is optimal.
Keep Up With Regular Dental Check-Ups
Just because your implant isn’t a natural tooth, it doesn’t mean you get to skip the dentist! Continue to visit the dentist at least twice a year (or as advised). During these visits your dentist will monitor whether everything is in good condition by inspecting your implant and crown.
Attending regular professional cleanings is also crucial if you have an implant. When cleaning, a hygienist will carefully remove any plaque buildup around the implant and gums. This is important to protect from and catch a gum infection called ‘peri-implantitis’.
Treat It Like a Normal Tooth (Almost)
A healthy implant should feel just like a normal tooth and be cared for like one. This means brushing and flossing are non-negotiable. A dental implant doesn’t decay, but plaque bacteria can still accumulate around it and irritate your gums.
Remember that your implant is part of your mouth’s ecosystem. Clean it, check it, and care for it daily.
Be Vigilant For Any Changes
You are the first line of defense in monitoring your implant day to day. Pay attention to how the implant area feels. If you notice unusual signs like persistent gum redness, swelling, or bleeding around the implant, or if you ever feel pain when biting or a loosening sensation, don’t ignore it.
If something feels off, tell your dentist. By informing them of a potential problem, like peri-implant inflammation or cracks in a crown, they can advise on early intervention and treatment to prevent more significant issues down the road.
Daily Oral Hygiene and Gum Care for Implants
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is the most important thing you can do to protect your implant and the gums around it. By incorporating a few specific tips into your cleaning and care routine, you’re contributing to the long-term health of your whole mouth and success of your implants.
Brush Regularly
Brush your teeth morning and night with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Spend a little extra time gently brushing around the implant crown and along the gumline. This helps remove plaque from the surface of the crown and the gums.
A soft brush is recommended to avoid scratching the implant or irritating your gums. Using a toothpaste that contains fluoride and is labelled as low-abrasive (look for the terms “gentle” or “implant care”) is ideal for keeping your crown clean and damage-free.
Floss Diligently
Flossing daily is a must, just as it is with natural teeth. In fact, it may be even more important to floss around an implant because plaque that sits at the implant-gum margin can lead to gum inflammation.
Many implant patients find that certain special tools clean effectively and are easy to use. These include interdental brushes, which can help you clean the spaces between the implant and adjacent teeth, and water flossers, which use a stream of water to flush out plaque or debris.
Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash
Rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash can give your implant an extra layer of protection. After brushing and flossing, do a gentle rinse to remove bacteria in your mouth.
This is especially useful before bedtime so fewer germs hang around the implant overnight. A non-alcohol, antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce the risk of infection or peri-implantitis around your implant.
Take Care of Your Gums
Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy implant. Massage your gums gently with your toothbrush and keep an eye on the gum tissue around the implant. They should appear pink and firm, just like they do surrounding natural teeth.
If you see that your gums are red or puffy, or if they bleed when you brush, this could be a sign of gingivitis or peri-implant inflammation. Step up your cleaning in that area and consider scheduling a dental appointment to have it evaluated.
Don’t Neglect the Rest of Your Mouth
Make sure to always clean all of your teeth and tongue, not just the implant. A clean mouth overall will mean less bacteria and contribute to general health and cleanliness. Good oral hygiene habits benefit both your implants and natural teeth alike.
Lifestyle Tips to Prolong Your Implant’s Lifespan
Beyond daily cleaning, certain lifestyle habits can significantly impact how long your dental implant lasts. One of the great things about implants is that they allow you to go about your regular life, but it is still important to be mindful of maintaining healthy routines.
Avoid Smoking and Tobacco
If you smoke, it is strongly recommended to quit or cut down. Smoking is one of the worst enemies of dental implants. It slows down healing and reduces blood flow to the gums, which can hinder both the implant’s initial integration and long-term stability.
Over the long run, smokers have a higher rate of dental implant failure and complication. Smoking is directly linked to gum disease, and in implant patients it can contribute to peri-implantitis and bone loss around the implant.
Eat Healthy Foods (& Limit Sugar and Acids)
Like it is for your overall health, eating a balanced diet, rich in all the food groups is also important for oral health. For extra jawbone strength, ensure you’re getting enough of nutrients like calcium and Vitamin D.
While your implant can’t get cavities, a high-sugar diet can still harm your mouth by causing decay in neighboring teeth and irritating your gums. Limiting sugary foods and drinks can go a long way in helping prevent gum problems and acidic erosion.
And of course, drink plenty of water. It helps wash away food particles and keeps you hydrated (your gums will thank you!).
Avoid Chewing Extremely Hard or Sticky Items
Implants restore your bite power, but they aren’t indestructible. Chewing on very hard things can damage the crown or even the implant itself. Never use your teeth as tools: avoid biting down on pens, cracking nutshells with your teeth, or chewing ice cubes habitually.
Even hard sweets or sticky candies like toffee or gum can be risky with excessive biting or chewing. When a food is very sticky, it can put excessive pressure on or even dislodge components of a crown if it isn’t perfectly cemented, so proceed with caution.
Protect Your Implant from Grinding and Clenching
If you often wake up with a tense, clenched jaw, it’s a sign you may be grinding your teeth at night (‘bruxism’). Though an implant screw is strong, the force from excessive grinding can wear down or fracture a crown. If you suspect you are doing this, it’s worth talking to your dentist.
Dentists are often likely to recommend a night guard for bruxism. You can either buy these over the counter or have one custom-fitted to cushion your teeth. Sleeping with this appliance on can greatly reduce the pressure on your implant (and your other teeth) if you grind.
Wear a Guard During High-Contact Activities
If you play contact sports or do activities with a risk of impact to the face, wear a proper sports mouthguard to prevent trauma to your teeth and implants. It only takes one unlucky blow or fall to damage a tooth or implant, so it’s worth the precaution.
Moderation With Staining Substances
This isn’t a health issue, but more about aesthetics. Substances that are high in tannins (like coffee and red wine), can stain a porcelain crown over time. The best way to limit discolouration over time is to brush and rinse after consuming drinks that may cause stains.
Nowadays, crowns are actually quite stain-resistant in comparison to natural teeth, so it’s worthwhile to note that if you have a mixture of natural and artificial teeth, they may discolour in differing ways.
Important Questions to Ask Your Dentist
By being proactive and staying informed on what’s going on in your mouth, you’re able to make thoughtful decisions. Have open conversations with your dentist about how to care for your implant. As a starting point, here are some important questions you might consider asking:
How often should I have my implant checked or cleaned?
While most patients do so every 6 months, your dentist will always be able to advise on the best, most accurate timeline for exams and cleanings based on your specific implants.
Are there any special cleaning tools or techniques I should use at home?
Ask for tailored recommendations on if you should be using interdental brushes, a water flosser, or any particular type of floss or toothbrush around your implant.
What signs of problems should I watch for around my implant?
Have your dentist review the symptoms of implant or gum issues with you. Knowing what to look out for will help you catch any potential issues early.
If I grind my teeth at night, should I get a night guard?
It is a great idea to ask this question if you suspect you might need one. Your dentist will be able to evaluate your bite and tell you if a guard would be beneficial for your implant’s longevity.
When might the crown need replacing, and how will I know?
It’s helpful to know the signs that a crown is wearing out. Your dentist can give you an idea of what would indicate it’s time for a new one (based on your X-rays) to help you plan for the future.
Do I need any X-rays or special tests to monitor the implant?
Occasionally, your dentist will take an X-ray of your implant to check the bone levels around it. You can ask how often this should be done and if everything looks healthy in the most recent images.
Always feel free to ask any other questions you think of or mention concerns you have. No question is too small, and it’s important to remember that you and your dentist are on the same team in ensuring that your implant lives a long, healthy life.
A Long and Healthy Life for Your Implant
So, how long does a tooth implant last? In short, it can potentially last a lifetime. By keeping up with routine oral hygiene and taking proper care of your implant, the metal screw itself is very likely to never need a replacement.
It is however perfectly normal for an implant crown to potentially require a replacement. This is a routine, pain-free part of the implant upkeep process. If interventions like this are ever needed, we’re here to support you in maintaining the longevity of your oral health with tailored solutions.
For a lifetime of strong bite function, healthy gums, and clean teeth, make sure to follow your cleaning regime and keep up with dental appointments. Treat your implant with the love and care you would a natural tooth, and a life of smiles is in store.