Dental Implant Lifespan

"How long do dental implants last?" I get this question asked a lot. People are normally coming to my office to get a dental implant as an alternative to getting a dental bridge, so let's make that comparison. A dental bridge can last anywhere from 5 to 10, 15 years, and it depends on how well the person maintains that dental bridge as far as hygiene. On the other hand, a dental implant can last many, many more years than a dental bridge. Typically, we've seen implants lasting over 20 years in most cases, and in some cases, it's also lasting a person's lifetime. The implant's lifespan depends on how well you take care of it and how well your hygiene is. In some cases, a dental implant is placed, and then everything is healed, the crown is put on. And then we never see that patient again, and they never go to a dentist, they're not flossing, they brush only once a day, they're not upkeeping with the maintenance of it, then you're going to see a lower lifespan for the health of that dental implant. Typically, those implants will not last forever. Why you may ask? Dental implants don't get cavities like natural teeth. So how can they fail? Dental implants can still be affected by gum disease around it. So that's why it's important that you go to your dentist regularly to make sure everything looks good. And also, that you're doing a good job at home by brushing, flossing regularly and brushing at least twice a day, and using a device called the Waterpik around and over your implant. Doing those things will ensure that bacteria doesn't collect around the implant, causing problems such as bone loss and infection. And by going to the dentist regularly, in most cases, I do recommend if you have a dental implant to go see your dentist every four months, and at the very least every six months, to make sure everything's looking good. And if there is an issue, that we address it earlier on. If we go too long without going to a dentist, and something's been going on with that dental implant, there's a chance that that implant may fail or that restoration may fail, in addition to that implant being put in. By going to the dentist, the hygienist and the dentist will give you better tricks and tips on maintaining your dental hygiene better. This is Dr. Sasan Khodabakhsh with Summit Point Dental Implant Center. Thank you for watching.