When you invest in dental implants, you want to know they are going to last. The good news is that implants are one of the longest-lasting ways to replace missing teeth. But how long they last depends on a few things, many of which are in your hands.
An implant restoration has two main parts:
The implant itself: the titanium post in your jawbone. Once it has fused with the bone, it can last for decades, and in many cases for life.
The crown on top: the visible tooth. Like any crown, it is exposed to the everyday wear of chewing, and may need replacing after around 15 to 20 years.
Oral hygiene: implants cannot decay, but the gum and bone around them can become infected if plaque builds up. This condition, called peri-implantitis, is the most common reason implants fail.
Regular check-ups: we check your implants at every visit so any problems can be caught early.
Smoking: smokers have a higher risk of implant problems, both during healing and in the long term.
Teeth grinding: grinding or clenching puts extra strain on implants and crowns. If you grind, a night guard can help protect your investment.
General health: conditions such as poorly controlled diabetes can affect gum health and healing.
Quality of planning: careful assessment, accurate placement and a well-fitting crown all help implants last.
Contact us if you notice bleeding, swelling or soreness around an implant, a loose crown, or a change in how your bite feels. Most problems are much easier to fix when caught early.
With good care, implants can give you a strong, natural-looking smile for many years. If you would like to talk about implants, or have an implant that needs checking, call our team on 01494 527971.
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