Making Your Dental Implants Last: What You Need to Know

Serving Patients in Vancouver WA

The best way to help make sure your dental implants stay healthy and last is to brush and floss your teeth twice daily, use antibacterial mouthwash, and visit your dentist at least every three to six months.

But of course, there’s much more to know about dental implants and how to make them last longer.

Here are frequently asked questions about dental implant longevity:

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime — and with proper care, they can. However, even with excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits, implants may need replacement over time. That’s why we tell our patients they can expect dental implants to last 10 to 15 years on average.

Sometimes, implants exceed this lifespan, offering decades of reliable performance. Other times, they may not last quite as long. The longevity of your dental implants will depend on several key factors.

Which factors affect how long dental implants last?

The longevity of dental implants can vary based on a range of factors. Here are some of the most important ones:

• Implant Location: Implants placed toward the back of the mouth endure greater chewing forces, which can lead to quicker wear compared to implants in the front.
• Oral Hygiene: Maintaining a consistent routine of brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups is critical to preventing issues like gum disease that could shorten the lifespan of your implants.
• Bone Health: The quality and density of the jawbone supporting the implant play a significant role in its long-term success.
• Lifestyle Choices: Smoking, alcohol, or a diet high in sugar can negatively impact both your oral health and the longevity of your implants.
• Overall Health: Chronic conditions like diabetes or osteoporosis can affect healing and bone density, potentially impacting implant success.
• Clenching or Grinding: Excessive force from bruxism (teeth grinding) can put undue stress on implants, reducing their lifespan.

How long do dental implants last (compared to other restorative dental options)?

Dental implants are known for their longevity, especially when you compare them to other similar restorative dental procedures like, dental prosthetics. Here’s how long those solutions typically last:

• Dental Bridges: Typically last 5 to 10 years, requiring more frequent replacement.
• Dentures: Last around 5 to 8 years before needing adjustments or replacement.
• Fillings and Crowns: Fillings can last 10 to 15 years, while crowns generally last 10 to 15 years, depending on care.

Can dental implants be removed?

Your dentist can remove a dental implant if absolutely necessary. Dental implants are permanent and designed to last a lifetime. So only if your dentist has determined it should come out, will your implant stay in your mouth.

Reasons for Dental Implant Removal

Below are some common reasons your dentist may recommend dental implant removal.

• Position Change: For example, if the implant is near a sinus cavity or nerve.
• Early Implant Failure: Dental implants can fail early on during the healing process because of infection, failure to properly osseointegrate, or too much movement. In these cases, because the implant has not fused with the bone, your dentist can easily remove the implant.
• Late Implant Failure: Late dental implant failures can occur a year out from your surgery to years later, whether from infection or force.

Keep in mind that dental implant failure is rare. Only around 5% to 10% of patients experience it. And the leading cause of failure is poor oral hygiene. If you believe you’re experiencing dental implant failure, talk with your dentist for an accurate diagnosis.

What is dental implant failure?

Dental implant failure occurs when the bone around the implant doesn’t properly grow, causing the implant to become loose. Dental implant failure can occur soon after placement or several years later. It’s estimated that around 5% to 10% of dental implant patients suffer from dental implant failure.

The main reason dental implants become loose and fall out is because of gum disease, which is preventable. Like natural teeth, dental implants also collect plaque and bacteria. If you don’t brush and floss well, gum disease will develop and cause your gums to pull away from the implant, leaving them with insufficient support.

Teeth grinding is another common reason why implants fail because it can cause the implants to shift. If you’re a teeth grinder and have dental implants, you may want to sleep with a mouthpiece to help keep your implants securely in place.

What are the signs of dental implant failure?

In addition to loosening of the dental implant, other signs of dental implant failure include: swelling, pain, and infection.

Fortunately, a failed dental implant can be treated. If your dentist has determined your dental implant needs replacing, they may administer local anesthesia and safely remove it. If the bone is still intact, the dental implant can be replaced. If you’ve suffered some bone loss in the area, you may need a bone graft before the implant can be replaced, and healing after a bone graft can take several months.

To help prevent dental implant failure, practice good oral hygiene, visit your dentist regularly, consume calcium-rich foods, avoid eating ice or hard, sticky candy, and don’t smoke.

What causes dental implants to fail?

Dental implant failure is when the body rejects new dental implants. This usually happens within the first year of placement and is often due to a specific problem.

Common reasons for dental implant failure include:

• Inadequate Bone Support: If the jawbone isn’t dense or strong enough, the implant may fail to osseointegrate.
• Gum Disease: Periodontitis and peri-implantitis (a form of gum disease around implants) can weaken the surrounding tissue and bone.
• Infection: Any infection during or after the procedure can interfere with proper healing.
• Excessive Force: Misaligned bites, teeth grinding, or an impact to the head area can put too much pressure on the implant.

When do dental implants fail?

Dental implant failure can happen soon after the procedure or several years after. Keep in mind, implant failure is quite rare. Only around 5% to 10% of patients experience implant failure.

While there are a variety of reasons a dental implant can fail, the most common include infection and bone loss — both of which can be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene and seeing your dentist regularly.

Other causes of dental implant failure include allergic reaction, body rejection, injury to the area, or nerve damage. You’ll know your implants are beginning to fail if you suffer pain and swelling near the area, or your implants are feeling loose.

Will dental implants fall out?

Dental implants are permanent, they should not fall out. In fact, before a dentist surgically places them, they ensure a patient is a perfect candidate who has sufficient bone so the implants can last them for the rest of their life. However, while rare, there are instances where implants have become loose and fallen out. This is typically due to bone loss, infection, or gum disease.

If you believe your dental implants are becoming loose or you’re experiencing pain and inflammation, contact your dentist immediately before your implant does fall out. They’ll be able to determine the exact reason why your implant is becoming loose or if it’s the implant at all. Loose crowns are more likely to become loose than dental implants.

This is why it’s important to practice good oral hygiene and see your dentist at least every three to six months after you’ve had your dental implants.

Will dental implants help with gum disease?

If you’ve suffered tooth loss or have very loose teeth, dental implants can be used to restore function and beauty back into your smile. However, if your tooth loss is a result of gum disease (periodontal disease), you’ll need to have it treated before your dental implant procedure. If you suffered severe gum disease in the past that caused your gums to weaken, you may need soft tissue grafts or bone grafts prior to dental implants because implants require healthy gums.

After you receive dental implants, it’s still important to maintain good oral hygiene because plaque can still build up around the crown and lead to gum disease.

Gum disease is generally caused by poor oral hygiene, including flossing and brushing. In the initial stages of gum disease, you may experience red or swollen gums or bleeding when flossing. When you have advanced gum disease, you may experience loose teeth and exposed roots.

If you’re looking into dental implants to help restore your smile, talk with an experienced dentist to see if you’re a good candidate for the procedure and if bone and/or tissue grafts are necessary.

Can dental implants be rejected by the body?

Yes, dental implants can be rejected by the body, however, it’s very rare. The only reason your body may reject a dental implant is if you have a titanium allergy and less than 1% of potential dental implant patients have reported they have a titanium allergy.

If you’re interested in dental implants, talk with your dentist about other options like zirconia or ceramic.

When will dental implants not work?

Dental implants are not for everyone. You need to have sufficient bone in your jaw to support the implant and should not have gum disease. However, you still have options. Your dentist can not only treat your gum disease, but they may also recommend a bone graft so that you can safely support an implant.

What are the downsides to dental implants?

• One of the downsides to dental implants is their cost. While dental implants are considered the “gold standard” of dental restoration, they are also the most expensive method. 
• Another disadvantage of dental implants is that they require surgery. You have to have a healthy jawbone sufficient to support dental implants. If you don’t, you may need bone grafting.
• Dental implants also take time. After you’ve had them placed, you typically have to wait up to six months (or more) for them to fuse with your jawbone before having your permanent crowns installed.
• Another drawback is that dental implants can fail. The failure rate is only about 10% but this is why it’s important to first ensure you’re a candidate for dental implants and to have a skilled dentist perform the procedure.

Despite these downsides, dental implants are a safe option for adults seeking permanent tooth replacement. They have a 90% success rate and are designed to last a lifetime. 

So if you’re interested in dental implants, talk with an experienced dentist. They’ll see if you’re a candidate for dental implants and may be able to offer other forms of payment, including financing options.

Your Experts in Dental Implant Longevity 

When it comes to restoring your smile, dental implants are a game-changer. While certain factors can impact their longevity, patients consistently find that implants are a durable, reliable solution.

At Lewis Family & Implant Dentistry, we specialize in creating long-lasting smiles with dental implants. From initial consultation to final placement, we’ll ensure you’re set up for success. 

Call us today if you have questions about dental implants or if you’re ready to schedule your consultation.

Back to Dental Implants