How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants are one of the most popular procedures to replace missing teeth. Thanks to implants, people can regain the full function and look of their smiles.

But getting dental implants can be a huge commitment, especially because of the 6-months or longer healing period that comes with it. So you may be wondering, is all the effort worth it? How long do dental implants last?

Find out all the answers and more below:

How Long Do Dental Implants Really Last?

Dental implants are actually designed to last a lifetime. They are a permanent tooth replacement method that can withstand the daily stress of chewing your food, stimulating the jaw, and supporting your overall oral health.

But if you’ve been researching the topic a bit, you may have come across claims that dental implants can last anywhere between 15-20 years or more.

So which is it? Are they permanent or do they only last for a few decades?

Well, technically both. And to understand why, it’s important to consider how dental implants actually work.

What Are the Components of an Implant?

Dental implants are made up of 3 components:

• Metal post
• Abutment
• Dental crown

The metal post gets inserted into the jaw to replace the missing tooth. After the site is fully healed (usually around 6 months), the abutment is attached, which serves as a connector between the post and the dental crown. The crown, of course, is the only part of the implant you can see.

When we talk about dental implant damage, it’s usually the dental crown that gets discussed. Dental crowns are strong, but they are susceptible to wear and tear, which is why you may need to replace them at some point. With the right maintenance, the crown can last for decades.

The abutment and the metal post are far less likely to suffer damage. Even if the crown needs to be replaced, this will not affect the rest of the dental implant, which makes it a permanent procedure.

Benefits of Dental Implants

There are several types of tooth replacements available, but dental implants come with some unique advantages:

• They look and feel just like a natural tooth
• They are very durable
• They can support jawbone health 
• They help keep adjacent teeth stable
• They can support gum health
• They prevent the facial muscles from weakening, etc.

Because of all these perks, it’s really no wonder that dental implants are such a popular replacement procedure. But, is it right for you?