How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

More than 500,000 Americans every year are choosing to invest in the most successful method of replacing lost teeth. A dental implant is the only treatment to mimic both the tooth root and the crown, providing unmatched benefits and durability. Dental implants have up to a 97% success rate for people with good oral and overall health. However, many factors affect their life expectancy. Here’s what you need to know to get the most from your dental implants.

Average Dental Implant Life Expectancy

Dental implants provide reliable results with a worldwide failure rate of less than 3%. They are proven to last for 30 years or longer, but many things can influence their lifespan, including:

Materials

When choosing materials for dental implants, it’s not a time to pinch pennies. Although everyone enjoys a discount, cheap materials may not be as successful or durable. It’s best to invest in high-quality materials because they are more likely to succeed long-term.

Location of Implant

The tooth your implant is replacing may play a role in how long it will last. Back teeth experience more pressure and friction than those in the front. Therefore, implants used for molars may have a slightly shorter lifespan than those used for front teeth.

Oral Hygiene

An infection called peri-implantitis is a leading cause of dental implant failure, but it is almost 100% preventable. It is like gum disease, which means it’s caused by poor oral hygiene. You can safeguard your smile from infections by committing to brushing and flossing. Brush your teeth at least twice a day for 2 minutes, if not after every meal. Carefully floss your teeth and around your dental implant to remove the buildup your toothbrush can’t reach. Finish your routine with an antimicrobial mouthwash.

Lifestyle Choices

Tobacco and alcohol increase your risk of dental implant failure because they affect your body’s ability to heal and fight infections. It’s best to stop smoking and limit your alcohol consumption to keep your mouth and body healthy.

Diet Choices

You’ll regain 70% of your natural biting force when choosing dental implants. Although you can eat anything you desire, it’s best to limit hard and chewy foods to prevent wear and tear on your implants. If you can’t resist a juicy steak, cut it into small pieces to make it easier to chew.

Regular Dental Care

Even if you’ve replaced all your teeth with dental implants, you still need to see a dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. They’ll keep your mouth healthy to ensure your dental implants last for a lifetime.

About Dr. Jonathan Aguilar

Dr. Aguilar achieved his dental degree at Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry and has continued his education to provide the most up-to-date solutions in dentistry. He strives to create generations of healthy smiles. Request an appointment through his website or call his office at (940) 353-6444.