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Do dental implants last forever?

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In most cases, dental implants are permanent and are designed to last for the rest of your life. Once placed, implants fuse with your natural bone tissue and become firmly embedded in your jaw. In this post, we will outline the risks that do exist for implant failure and highlight things you can do to make sure your dental implant stays strong and secure.

Poor oral hygiene

Just like your natural teeth, proper oral hygiene is important to keeping your implant healthy. Brush, floss and rinse daily and be sure to schedule regular check-ups with your dentist every six months. It is important to remember that while the crown itself is not susceptible to decay, the surrounding gums, soft tissues and bone can still become inflamed or infected if you do not keep your mouth clean.

Habits that put your implants at risk

  • As with your natural teeth, eating a poor diet that is high in sugar and low in nutrition can negatively impact your implants over time.
  • Tobacco and alcohol use can reduce the lifespan of dental implants.
  • Grinding or clenching your teeth, can cause pressure on dental implants that can slowly loosen their position over time.

Pre-existing medical conditions

Some medical conditions can increase the risk of implant failure, including high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, a weak immune system and heart conditions. Certain medications or radiation treatments related to the above diseases can affect implant longevity. Be sure to provide your oral surgeon with an accurate medical history to understand how your overall health condition may impact implant success.

How long does the crown last?

While dental implants are designed to potentially last for the rest of your life, the longevity of your crown will depend on your oral hygiene routine and other factors. On average, you can expect the crown placed on a dental implant to last 10 to 15 years. However, in many cases, a simple repair can extend the life of a crown even further.