How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Premier Dentist in The Woodlands, TX serving Houston, Spring, & Conroe

Dental implants are the best tooth replacement option offered by modern dentistry. They are almost, but not quite, as good as your natural teeth, and one of their benefits is their longevity. Theoretically, dental implants can last forever, but there are many factors that may influence their longevity.

This page discusses factors that determine the longevity of dental implants, but cannot give personalized recommendations about dental implants. To learn how dental implants can benefit you, including how long they are likely to last for you, please call 877-492-4579 or email Woodlands Dentistry in Houston and schedule a consultation.

The Two Components of Dental Implants

A dental implant is actually not just a single piece restoration that is placed in your mouth. Instead, it is made of two parts: the actual implant and the dental crown. The actual implant is embedded in the jawbone, like your tooth root, while the dental crown is the visible portion of the dental implant.

Eternal Roots

The actual implant portion of the dental implant can theoretically last forever. It is composed of a titanium alloy that integrates with your jawbone and is neither decayed by your body nor does it spontaneously corrode. Once in place, your dental implant can stay there forever. Dental implants have been in use for more than 30 years, and some of the earliest restorations are still in place.

However, there are some factors that may cause your dental implants to fail. First and most importantly, they might fail because of the same cause that led to your original tooth loss. Periodontal disease is just as much an enemy of dental implants as of natural teeth. In addition, trauma to the tooth or jaw can dislodge a dental implant. Sometimes, a very bad bite can put too much stress on a dental implant and cause it to fail.

Enduring Crowns

The dental crown, on the other hand, is long-lasting, but not expected to last a lifetime. Instead, dental crowns are expected to last about a decade. After that, they will likely show their wear and may fail. Replacing the dental crown atop an implant is a relatively quick procedure.

Sometimes, the crown may fail prematurely. This can be due to trauma or a bad bite that puts too much force on a dental implant. Even if this happens, it may not affect the dental implant, and treatments imply requires replacement of the crown.

Your Dentist Makes a Difference

Another factor in the longevity of your dental implants is the dentist who performs the implantation procedure. As mentioned above, your bite forces can affect the longevity of your dental implants, so for best results in the short- and long-term, you should work with a dentist who understands the principles of neuromuscular dentistry and how they affect the quality of your bite. Dr. Scott Young has received his Fellowship from the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, the foremost school for neuromuscular dentistry in the world. He is the only LVI Fellow in the Woodlands.

To learn more about dental implants and how long they can last for you, please contact Woodlands Dentistry in Houston for a consultation.