Most people are aware that dental implants are an excellent solution for replacing missing teeth, whether it is a single tooth, several teeth, full upper arch, lower arch or both. As implants can be a considerable investment for many people, one of the questions we are most often asked is: how long do dental implants last?

The longevity of dental implants depends largely on oral hygiene and lifestyle factors. The good news is that when a dental implant is maintained with excellent oral hygiene through great brushing and flossing routines, it can last for a lifetime. That’s why it is considered to be a permanent tooth replacement option, because with the right care you may never need to replace it. In contrast, a crown typically needs to be replaced every 10 or so years as it wears down.

Sometimes the location of the implant can affect how long a dental implant lasts. Implants located in the back of the mouth will experience greater wear from regular chewing. Occasionally this extra use can result in the implant needing to be replaced earlier than implants located towards the front of the mouth.

In addition to having a great oral hygiene routine at home, dental implant patients must see their dentist every year to monitor the health of the gums and bone supporting the Implant. If infection develops around the neck of the implant early intervention can prevent this compromising the implant.

Interested to learn more? Contact us to schedule a consultation to find out if dental implants are right for you.