How Long do Dental Implants Last?

Are you missing a tooth and have been advised to get dental implants? Worried about any potential complications that may occur? Want to know how long do dental implants last? Well, you shouldn’t be so concerned, as over 3 million Americans have chosen dental implants, and this number is steadily increasing by 500,000 each year. These statistics show how common dental implants have become in the US.

In this blog, we address dental implant failure rates, steps to take if they wear out, and important considerations before opting for this procedure.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are advanced dental solutions used to replace missing teeth. They consist of two main parts: a post, which acts like a tooth root, and a custom-made crown that mimics the appearance and function of a natural tooth.

The implant procedure involves placing the post securely into the jawbone through a minor surgical procedure. Over time, the jawbone fuses with the implant, which makes a strong base for the teeth that are to be replaced.

Dental implants offer numerous benefits:

They feel just like your own teeth.
They don’t move when you talk or eat.
You will be able to eat whatever you want without any trouble.
They don’t damage the nearby teeth like some other dental options.

Before getting to know how long do dental implants last, it’s better to check the healing time to be prepared for this procedure.

How Long Do Dental Implants Take to Heal?

The healing process occurs in stages, and although there is no fixed time, you can get an approximate time range after going through the healing stages. It actually depends on the type of surgery done by which you can get to know how long do dental implants last and how quickly you will heal:

Initial Healing (1-2 Weeks)

In the first stage, typically lasting one to two weeks, you may experience some initial discomfort and mild swelling. This is the most important time period, where you must follow all instructions very strictly to heal as quickly as possible.

Osseointegration (3-6 Months)

The second stage is the critical process of osseointegration. This involves the implant fusing with your jawbone, creating a robust foundation for your replacement tooth. It spans over a few months, ensuring a solid base.

Abutment Placement (2-3 Weeks)

After successful osseointegration, an abutment, a small connector, is attached to the implant. This phase may require a brief additional healing period.

Final Crown Placement (2-4 Weeks)

The last stage involves adding the custom-made replacement tooth, also known as a crown. It’s precisely designed to fit your mouth and attaches to the abutment.

Your surgery complexity can change the healing time greatly:

Simple Implant Procedure: For a straightforward implant procedure where one tooth is replaced, and no additional steps like grafting are needed, discomfort is minimal, and you will be healed within a week to ten days.
Complex Implant Procedure: People with several implants or those who have a more complicated surgery will have to wait for several months to heal completely.

Do Teeth Implants Last Forever?

The answer to how long do dental implants last actually depends on your actions. If cared for properly, dental implants can remain in your mouth for up to 15 – 20 years. Here are some important factors that will help you understand how long do dental implants last and what to do to keep them for a longer time:

Regular Check-ups: Schedule and attend regular dental check-ups and cleanings. Your dentist will detect any potential issues early, ensuring that your dental implants last longer.
Avoid Grinding Teeth: If you tend to grind your teeth, consider using a mouthguard. Grinding can put extra pressure on your implants and natural teeth, potentially causing damage over time.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine, including brushing and flossing around your dental implants. Proper care helps prevent plaque buildup and gum disease, which can ruin the stability of your implants.
Avoid Tobacco Products: Smoking will impact the health of your gums and bone structure, increasing the risk of implant failure. So, it’s better to quit such practices.

You should keep in mind that the question of how long do dental implants last can not be answered with any fixed time range, and it all depends on how you adjust your lifestyle in order to keep the implants for a long time.

What is the Failure Rate of Dental Implants?

These generally have 90-95% success rates. Even though the failure rate is quite low, around 5% to 10%, they won’t always work as expected. There are various reasons why an implant might not succeed. It could be because of issues with the bone in your jaw, infections, or problems with how the implant was put in.

As discussed before about how long do dental implants last, it is important to take care of your health as even though the failure rate is low, you should be cautious and avoid anything that can cause problems during this process.

What happens when Dental Implants wear out?

When you start neglecting your oral health or if any other complications arise, your dental implants can start to wear off, which can be quite alarming for you. The good news is your dentist can help. Here are some potential solutions for dental implants that start to wear out:

Minor Repairs: Sometimes, small adjustments or repairs can be made to the implant components to improve function.
Component Addition: Adding a new crown or other piece to the implant can refresh its appearance and how it works.
Replacement Option: If the implant is significantly worn or damaged, replacing it with a new one might help.
Bone Grafting: If there are issues with the bone supporting the implant, a bone graft may be recommended by your dentist to strengthen the foundation.

Once you understand how long do dental implants last and how to keep them maintained, you should go to a clinic that has the best dental implant dentist in NJ.

Hesed Dentistry - Your Destination To Successful Implants!

Looking for dental implants in NJ? Why not go to Hesed Dental – the most modern clinic that offers the most comfortable implant procedure with up-to-date dental technology? At Hesed, we offer personalized treatment to every one of our patients. Our team is super experienced and knows exactly how to give you the best dental implants. Hesed’s welcoming environment will make you feel right at home during your dental implant journey.

So, are you ready for a painless treatment? Book your appointment, and take your first step towards a stunning smile!