How long do dental implants last?
People ask us constantly “How long do dental implants last?” and and the simple answer is it depends.. The longer answer is below…
In general dental implants are very long lasting. For most people they will last a lifetime. There are a number of things which can reduce this lifespan however which you should be aware of:
Smoking – Is you are a smoker you are at higher risk of problems and failure of dental implants.
Grinding – The more pressure you place on dental implants over time the higher the chance of failure. Just as driving your car 100,000 miles/year versus 5,000 miles/year would increase the wear and tear on your vehicle. Some people develop a habit of grinding their teeth excessively in their sleep. They most commonly are not aware of it until the damage occurs. Having regular dental check ups is key to long term success.
Poor Hygiene – If you have gum disease (periodontal disease) you are at higher risks of bone loss and failure.
Poor Health – If you have severe health issues such as diabetes or cancer a serious toll can be taken on the bone supporting your implants.
Thin Gums – Thick gums generally provide for better long term success than thin gums.
Poor Quality Bone – Some people have soft bone like styrofoam. Others have hard bone like mahogany. Stronger bone usually gives a better chance of long term success.
Bad Healing – Occasionally even healthy young people don’t heal right. This can be related to lifestyle or just the occasional bad luck..
Studies show that approximately 80% of implants last 15 years or more.
