Dental implants can significantly enhance your life by improving the appearance of your smile and restoring your chewing function. However, getting dental implants is a surgical procedure that can be costly and requires extensive preparation, as well as a prolonged recovery period. Thus, naturally, before undergoing the procedure, patients want to know: How long will my dental implants last? In this article, we address this question and provide tips on proper dental implant care.

 

How Long Will My Dental Implants Last?

When discussing dental implant longevity, it is crucial to distinguish between the implants themselves and the crowns that are attached to them.

Dental implants are screw-like posts made of biocompatible metal (typically titanium) that are surgically inserted into the jawbone and fuse with it over time. These posts act similarly to the roots of your natural teeth. Ideally, they should last for decades or even a lifetime, providing no oral health issues, such as periodontal disease, arise.

Artificial crowns attached to implants are typically made of porcelain or zirconia. These are durable and stain-resistant materials. However, they are not invincible and typically have to be replaced every 10 to 15 years. In some cases, zirconia dental crowns can last up to 20 years with proper care and maintenance.

 

Signs That Your Dental Implants Need to Be Replaced

Here are several common signs that crowns attached to your dental implants need to be replaced:

• Crowns are stained or discolored
• There are chips or cracks on the crowns
• Crowns feel loose and move if you touch them with a finger or your tongue
• You notice a difference in the way the crowns fit with other teeth, or they feel uncomfortable when you bite down

Signs that your dental implants (the metal posts) need to be replaced:

• You feel persistent pain in the area of the implant or pain when you chew or bite down on the implant
• The gum tissue around the implant is swollen, red, or bleeding
• There is pus oozing from the space between the gum and the implant
• There are pimples or cysts on the gum around the implant
• The implant feels unstable in the socket
• The gum tissue pulls away from the implant (gum recession)

If you experience any of these symptoms, we encourage you to contact your doctor as soon as possible, as they may indicate an infection in the mouth. Chronic infections, such as gum disease, can lead to permanent damage to the gum tissue and jawbone, making it impossible to have dental implants or requiring additional treatments, such as bone grafting.

 

How to Make Your Dental Implants Last Longer

There are several tips we recommend keeping in mind if you want your implants to serve you for years to come:

• Oral health issues, such as tooth decay or gum disease, can compromise the success of your dental implants. Therefore, it is essential to maintain effective daily oral hygiene and avoid these problems. To do so, brush your teeth twice a day for 2 minutes and use fluoride toothpaste. Additionally, floss thoroughly every evening and consider using a water flosser in conjunction with traditional brushing and flossing, as it can help prevent gum disease.
• Visit your dentist at least twice a year for professional cleanings and checkups.
• Be mindful of what you eat to avoid damaging your implants. It is recommended to avoid foods that are crunchy, hard, or sticky. Also, avoid staining foods and drinks, such as red wine, coffee, berries, soda, etc., to keep your crowns white.
• Protect your implants from physical damage by wearing a mouthguard if you play sports, especially those with extreme or contact elements, and refrain from using your teeth as tools. Also, if you have bruxism—involuntary teeth grinding and jaw clenching—consult your dentist to address this issue, as it can lead to your implants wearing out much faster.
• Avoid smoking, as it is one of the leading causes of gum disease.
• Ensure your diet is balanced and you receive a sufficient amount of minerals and vitamins to maintain strong and healthy bones and tissue throughout your body.

 

Get High-quality Dental Implants at My Dentist Upland

To get dental implants that will serve you for years to come, it is essential to choose a reliable and experienced dentist to perform the implant surgery. Do not hesitate to make an appointment with one of the specialists at My Dentist Upland today. We utilize high-quality materials and modern techniques to deliver long-lasting results to our clients.

We look forward to your visit.