How Long do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants are well known for providing long lasting results for those patients looking to replace missing teeth, but how long is ‘long-lasting’? When first developed, implants were not known to last for an extended period of time. Over the years, extensive research and development has led to advancement in implant technology, which has vastly increased their long-term success. With over one million patients treated with dental implants, research has shown that over 95% of all implants place are successful—success is defined by proper function lasting over five years.

Dental implants are not a permanent solution, but if taken care of properly, can last for years (many more than five years). So how long do dental implants last?  That depends on a variety of factors.

The first and most important factor is long-term care. After a dental implant is placed, it is important to brush and floss regularly. Keeping implants clean will prevent inflammation. Regular visits to the dentist will also help. Professional cleaning on a regular basis can significantly reduce implant failure.

The second factor that can influence implant success is the skill of the dentist that placed the implant. Dental implantation requires additional education that not all dentists receive in dental school. When searching for a dental implant dentist, it is important to choose one that is both certified and reputable. Dental implantology requires skills that not all dentists possess.

The third factor related to implant success is the quality of the implant or fixture being placed. Dental implantation is a field of dentistry that has exploded in popularity over the past few years. There are many companies out there producing dental implants, but not all are certified. Non-certified implants allow dentists to cut costs, which can provide a more affordable implant for patients—but can also lead to problems down the line. When undergoing the implant procedure, be sure your dentist is using certified implants and fixtures.

How long do dental implants last today? That depends on a couple of factors. One, of course, is how well you take care of them. You need to brush and floss - keep them clean, to prevent inflammation around the implants.

How long your dental implants last will ultimately depends on you as well as the care and expertise of your dentist. Poor quality treatment can lead to implant failure so be sure to visit a certified dentist for all your implant needs.