How Long Does a Dental Implant Last?

Dental implants are also known as permanent fixtures. Does that mean that once you restore a missing tooth with the help of an implant, you don't have to worry about changing it ever again?

It's not that simple.

Let's take a closer look at how implants work and how long they can last.

The Anatomy of a Dental Implant

A dental implant has three parts:

• A metal post 
• An abutment (or connecting piece) 
• The dental crown

The metal post is the one that gets surgically inserted into the jawbone. After this initial surgery, you will need to wait between six and nine months to attach the abutment and then the crown. This waiting period is a very important step of the Oak Park dental implant process and it's called osseointegration. Simply put, you are waiting for the metal post to fuse with the surrounding tissue in your jawbone and become part of your body. Once that happens, the metal post will act as the root of the artificial tooth.

So, Are Dental Implants Permanent?

Yes and no.

If the osseointegration process is successful and the metal post has been properly absorbed by your body, then it can last a lifetime. Of course, you will need good oral health to help the implant last forever. Poor oral hygiene can lead to a condition called peri-implantitis (similar to gum disease,) which can affect the implant and make it more likely to fail.

As far as the crown goes, although it's made out of sturdy materials, like porcelain, it has a limited lifespan. With good oral health, a dental crown can last between 15 and 20 years.

How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Dental Implant

It's actually easier than you may think to ensure that your implant (meaning both the metal post and dental crown) will last for as long as possible. All you have to do is:

• Brush your teeth after every meal or at least every morning and evening 
• Floss every day to remove any food debris from between your teeth 
• See your dentist routinely to check the health of your teeth and implant 
• Get your teeth professionally cleaned every six months to remove plaque and tartar 
• Don't use your teeth as tools to avoid damaging the dental crown 
• Use a non-abrasive toothpaste and toothbrush to avoid scratching the dental crown 
• Use a mouthguard when playing sports
• Use a nightguard if you tend to clench or grind your teeth at night 
• Limit the consumption of staining foods to maintain the color and shininess of your dental crown

Can I Get Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a fantastic way to replace a missing tooth, but you do need good oral health to be able to get one. Dr. Brandon Murphy can examine your oral health and determine if implants are good for you or if you need additional treatments to restore your smile this way.

Get in touch to book your appointment at Murphy Dental Group, PLLC.