How Long Does a Dental Implant last?
When the environment inside the oral cavity is suitable for a tooth, it survives long. This suitable environment is created when we maintain good oral hygiene. Dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement option, which means just like your teeth, its longevity depends on how well you take care of them. Implants are designed to support the bone structure and withstand chewing or biting without slipping because they are firmly attached to the jawbone. The titanium screw that is placed inside the bone lasts for almost a lifetime, while the visible crown portion may last about 15 to 25 years considering the care and maintenance that it receives.What determines the longevity of your implant?
Your oral hygiene practices: Brushing and flossing at least twice daily and making a biannual visit to your dentist will increase the life of the implant.
How you use the implant?
Biting hard or opening the bottles with the implant can negatively impact its life.
Implant location: Implants which receive more pressure while chewing like those positioned at the back of the mouth may fail more quickly than those at the front of the mouth.
Your lifestyle and habits: Smoking and drinking increases the chance of implant failure.
As with your natural teeth, it is important to maintain a healthy oral cavity for the implants to sustain. Regular brushing and flossing along with professional deep cleaning is the key to prevent the occurrence of gum diseases which may lead to implant failure. A regular follow up with your implantologist can help you boost the life of your implant.