If you’re considering getting dental implants, remember that time, money, and a dedication to your dental health are all necessary for the procedure. Since it’s a big investment, you may be wondering how long dental implants last. While the implant post itself is designed to be a permanent fixture, potentially lasting a lifetime, the prosthetic tooth (the crown, bridge, or denture attached to it) has a lifespan more similar to traditional dental work.
Is the Implant Post a Permanent Fix?
The base of the whole restoration is the titanium screw that your oral surgeon inserts into your jawbone. The biocompatible titanium used to make this post has the unusual ability to osseointegrate. This phrase refers to the process by which the titanium post becomes a natural part of your body when the jawbone merges with it. A very strong and solid anchor that works similarly to a natural tooth root is produced by this fusion.
The implant post itself may endure for a lifetime due to its smooth integration and titanium’s exceptional durability and non-corrosive nature. Studies show success rates of over 95% after 10 years, and many implants placed decades ago are still functioning perfectly today.
What is the Average Lifespan of a Prosthetic Crown?
The crown, bridge, or denture that is affixed to the implant abutment is the visible portion of the tooth and is prone to the same wear and tear as natural teeth. Just like your natural teeth, it grinds, bites, and eats.
Usually composed of materials like zirconia or porcelain fused to metal, these prostheses are extremely durable but not indestructible. A well-made crown supported by an implant should last 10 to 15 years on average, and sometimes longer.
The lifespan depends on several factors, such as:
- Material grade: High-quality zirconia and ceramics are more resilient to wear and chipping.
- Tooth Location: Since molars take the brunt of chewing power, their crowns may require replacement sooner than those of front teeth.
- Your Oral Habits: The lifespan of a crown can be considerably shortened by bruxism, biting ice, or using your teeth as instruments.
The prosthetic crown may eventually need to be replaced because of regular wear, chipping, or discoloration, just like any other dental restoration. The good news is that it’s not too difficult to replace a crown on a stable implant.
What is the Key to Longevity of Your Dental Implants?
You are the most important factor in determining how long your dental implant will last. Even though an implant is composed of ceramic and metal, its health is solely dependent on the living tissue, your jawbone and gums, that supports it.
Peri-implantitis is the most frequent danger to the long-term viability of an implant. Like gum disease, this inflammatory condition affects the tissues around the implant. It starts with bacterial plaque accumulation, which results in peri-implant mucositis, or gum irritation.
Compared to natural teeth, implants need even more careful maintenance. To clean both sides of the abutment and make it last longer, you must brush twice a day and use specialized flossing instruments, such as water flossers, interdental brushes, or floss threaders, around the implant crown.
Summing Up!
The implant post itself is designed to be a permanent component of your smile and has a very high success rate. Because of daily wear, the crown on top will probably need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years.
Integrity Dental of Troy is here to help you with your dental issues. Call us now at (586) 977-0300 to schedule your appointment.