Dental implants can dramatically improve the quality of life for people with missing teeth. But how long do dental implants last? Please read our article to learn the answer to this question and how to increase the lifespan of your implants.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
When talking about the longevity of dental implants, it is essential to distinguish between the parts of the implants. The metal posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone can last for decades and even a lifetime with proper care.
However, the crowns that are placed on the implants and are commonly used to chew might need replacement more often. Thus, dental crowns typically last for 10 to 15 years.
Signs That Your Dental Implants Need to Be Replaced
- The dental crown feels loose
- The metal post feels unstable in the socket
- Pain or discomfort in the implant area
- Swelling of the gum around the implant
- Swelling of the jaw on the side of the implant
- Gum recession in the implant area
- Pus or discharge oozing from the area where the gum tissue connects to the implant
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth or bad breath that lingers even after brushing and flossing
- Cysts or pimples on the gum surrounding the implant
- Cracked or chipped crown of the implant
- Staining or discoloration of the crown
Some of the signs we list above might indicate severe infection within the gum or jawbone. Thus, we urge you to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible or go to an emergency dental office if you notice any of these signs.
How to Make Your Dental Implants Last Longer
We recommend following several rules to preserve the appearance and function of your dental implants for as long as possible.
Maintain a Thorough Oral Hygiene Routine
Effective oral hygiene is key for preventing dental implant failure. By brushing, flossing, and water-picking your teeth twice a day, you can ensure that harmful bacteria do not linger in your mouth. Even if your dental implants can not get cavities like natural teeth, bacteria can still cause infections in the mouth, such as gum disease.
Gum disease is a hazardous condition if you have implants, as it leads to gum tissue and jawbone deterioration. For the implant to remain stable and secure, it is essential to preserve the integrity and health of the soft and hard tissue in the mouth.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Bi-yearly checkups and professional cleanings are a must for people with dental implants, as even if you brush and floss your teeth very well at home, some plaque is still likely to accumulate in hard-to-reach areas in the mouth and turn to tartar with time.
Choose the Right Products
Avoid toothpaste that contains abrasive particles, such as soda or charcoal. These ingredients can create minor scratches on the surface of your implants. Food and bacteria can accumulate in these scratches, making the implants appear stained or discolored.
Also, we do not recommend using whitening products on your dental implants. Whitening solutions are designed for the enamel of our natural teeth, which is more porous than the materials your dental crowns are made of (porcelain or composite).
Be Careful with What You Eat
To preserve the initial appearance of your dental implants, we recommend avoiding staining foods and brushing your teeth immediately after the meal if you consume them. Examples of staining foods include:
- Red wine
- Black coffee and tea
- Brightly colored spices (curry, paprika, etc.)
- Berries and fruit juices
- Foods and drinks with artificial dye (such as soda)
- Beetroot
- Carrots
Additionally, avoid sticky foods that can displace the crown and crunchy and hard foods that can cause scratches on the surface of the implants or cracks and chips.
Avoid Physical Damage
Metal implants, as well as the crowns covering them, can be damaged if oral trauma occurs. Thus, we recommend always wearing a mouthguard if you play sports. Also, avoid physical damage by not using your teeth as tools and not chewing on hard objects, such as pens.
Additionally, dental implants can be damaged if you grind your teeth or clench your jaw. This condition is called bruxism. We recommend seeking professional help and wearing a mouthguard at night if you notice signs of involuntary teeth grinding and clenching.
Get Reliable Dental Implants at Shodhan DHS
Do not hesitate to make an appointment with a leading dentist at the Shodhan DHS dental office today. We use reliable methods and high-quality materials to provide our patients with long-lasting and secure dental implants.
