How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Need to replace a missing tooth or teeth?
Dental implants may be the dental restoration you need.
After all:
It gives you more than a new smile – you’ll regain the confidence to eat, talk, and laugh without being self-conscious.
You might be wondering:
“How long do dental implants last?”
In our quick blog, we’ll discuss:
- How dental implants work
- How long they last
- 5 tips on how to take care of them
Let’s get started!
How do dental implants work?
Implants are an ideal treatment to restore your smile to its optimal appearance and health!
Step 1
An implant post that resembles your tooth root is surgically inserted into your jaw. This post will attach your replacement tooth or teeth securely.
Keep in mind:
Implants take time to fuse with your jawbone entirely, and the healing process will vary from patient to patient. It may take anywhere between three to eight months.
Step 2
Once the implant post is healed, a small connecting piece called the abutment is placed. This links your implant post to your new restoration.
Step 3
A custom-made restoration will be attached.
Your restoration can either be a:
- Crown
- Dental bridge
- Denture
This is usually dependent on how many teeth need to be replaced.
Do dental implants last forever?
The short answer: Possibly!
The dental implant post itself can last a lifetime with proper oral care.
On the other hand:
Your restoration may last anywhere between 10 to 30 years.
Good news:
Dental implants last longer than other restoration options – saving you money in the long run.
Plus, they change more than your smile. They also:
- Allow you to eat without pain
- Stabilize your jawbone and prevent bone deterioration
- Restore your oral health
But it’s essential to take care of your implants to extend their lifetime.
Want your implant to last as long as possible? Follow these pointers below!
5 tips on implant aftercare
Remember the old saying, “It takes 21 days to form a habit.”
If you haven’t already, implement these dental tips for the upcoming weeks to keep your implant in tip-top shape.
1. Maintain good oral hygiene
Take care of your implant like you would your natural teeth.
This means:
- Brushing twice a day for at least two minutes each time
- Flossing at least once per day
This will remove any food particles and plaque that get stuck between your teeth, preventing further tooth or gum damage.
In addition:
Water flossers are great for cleaning implants.
2. Avoid abrasive products
With toothbrushes, toothpaste, and any dental product, you want to avoid anything too abrasive.
Look for sensitive cleaning products with an ADA Seal of Acceptance… This text opens a new tab to the American Dental Association website….
And:
You switch to a soft-bristled or soft-nylon toothbrush! They’re more gentle on implant restorations and won’t scratch up the surface.
3. Visit your dentist regularly
Seeing your dentist regularly is crucial!
They’ll check and make sure your dental implant is secure, healthy, and working as effectively as possible.
Plus:
You’ll be able to ask your dentist any questions or concerns you may have about other aftercare tips.
4. Eat the right foods
Now that you can eat freely again, choosing what to eat is important!
Biting directly into a hard or sticky food will compromise the structure of your dental implant, possibly making it weaker.
You want to avoid hard or sticky food such as:
- Ice
- Hard candy
- Caramel
Pick softer (and healthier) options to maximize the integrity of your implant.
5. Avoid smoking and drinking too much alcohol
Smoking delays your healing process. It also weakens your jawbone structure.
Avoid smoking to protect your oral, respiratory, and overall health.
An occasional alcoholic drink is OK – but too much alcohol leads to tooth sensitivity. Keep this in mind before your next happy hour.
Where can I get dental implants in Seattle, WA?
At Aesthetica Contemporary Dentistry, we partner with only the best specialists in the area to place your dental implant. Then, our skilled team uses modern technology to create custom-made restorations to complete your smile.
Ready to live your life again?
- Call us at 206-588-0714
- Email us at info@aestheticasmiles.com
Our dental office is located in Seattle, WA, and we serve the following neighborhoods: Eastlake, Fremont, Wallingford, U District, Capitol Hill, and Westlake.
