How to Make Your Dental Implants Last a Lifetime

Reviewed by Dr. Matthew Young, DDS

Dental implants are a long-term tooth replacement solution that look, feel and function like your natural teeth.

Dental implants are a significant investment, so I’m sure you’d like to know how long they will last!

Well, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we explain everything you need to know about dental implants, including how to keep them functional and looking great for as long as possible.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaway

To make your implants last a lifetime, prioritize good oral hygiene, regular dental visits, and a healthy lifestyle. Choose an experienced dental implant specialist, follow professional advice, and protect your implants from wear and tear. With proper care, your implants can remain a strong, reliable, and long-lasting smile solution.

What Are Dental Implants Made Of?

Let’s break down the components of a dental implant.

Each implant is made of three main parts:

  1. The implant post (artificial tooth root): This is the titanium screw that anchors your implant into your jawbone. It’s the hero that holds everything in place. Titanium is biocompatible and integrates into your bone through a process called osseointegration. A well-integrated post can last a lifetime if your oral health is in check.
  2. The abutment: The abutment connects the implant post to the crown. It’s a small but important part that supports the artificial tooth. The abutment usually lasts as long as the implant itself, provided there’s no gum disease or bone loss.
  3. The crown (artificial tooth): This is the visible part of your dental implant—the replacement tooth that looks and feels like a real tooth. Crowns are often made of materials like ceramic or porcelain, which mimic the look of your natural teeth but may need replacement every 10–15 years, depending on wear and tear.

How to Improve the Longevity of Your Dental Implants

Taking proper care of your implants can help extend their lifespan and ensure they remain a reliable long-term tooth replacement.

🪥 Prioritize Your Oral Hygiene Routine

A solid oral hygiene routine is key to making your implants last.

Here’s what you should do:

  • Brush twice a day: Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush your teeth—and the implant areas—twice a day to remove plaque and prevent bacteria buildup that can lead to gum disease and bone loss.
  • Floss daily: Flossing might seem like a hassle, but it is vital. It cleans areas your toothbrush can’t reach, removing food particles and plaque around the implant post and gum tissue. If you don’t like floss, try an Interdental brush.
  • Mouthwash rinse: If recommended by your dentist, use an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria and strengthen your gums. Rinsing after brushing and flossing adds an extra layer of protection against plaque buildup and gum disease.

🦷 Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Regular dental visits are an essential part of dental implant maintenance.  

Here’s why:

  • Professional cleanings: Your dentist will clean your teeth thoroughly, removing stubborn plaque that home care can’t tackle. Plaque accumulation can occur on the surfaces of dental implants, particularly at the gumline. While the implant itself can’t decay, plaque buildup can lead to gum inflammation and infection (known as peri-implantitis), which can damage the bone supporting the implant.
  • Early detection of problems: These appointments allow your dentist to spot any problems with your implant, such as early signs of implant failure, gum disease, or bone loss—issues that, if left untreated, could compromise your implants’ lifespan.
  • Custom advice: Every mouth is unique. Your dentist will provide personalized advice tailored to your oral habits, health conditions, and lifestyle choices to help you keep your dental implants in peak condition.

🥊 Protect Your Dental Implants from Damage

Just because your implants are built tough doesn’t mean you shouldn’t treat them with care.

Here’s how to protect them:

  • Use a night guard: If you’re a chronic teeth grinder, get a custom-fit night guard. Grinding can put excessive pressure on your implant post and artificial crown, increasing the risk of implant failure.
  • Wear a mouthguard for sports: If you play contact sports, a well-fitted mouthguard acts as a barrier, protecting your implant screw, titanium post, and gum tissue from impact-related damage.
  • Avoid chewy and sticky foods: Foods like caramel, taffy, or even tough meats can stress your dental crowns and abutments. Stick to foods that are gentle on your dental implants to avoid wear and tear.

⚖️ Optimize Your Overall Health

Your general health and oral health are more connected than you think.

Conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune diseases can impact the healing process and longevity of implants.

Here’s how to keep everything in harmony:

  • Control blood sugar levels: If you have uncontrolled diabetes, it can slow the osseointegration process and increase the risk of gum disease and implant failure.
  • Focus on nutrition: A diet rich in calcium, vitamins C and D, and protein supports bone health and gum tissue strength. Foods like leafy greens, dairy, and lean meats are your friends.
  • Stay active: Regular exercise boosts blood flow, which supports the healing process and overall bone health. Just make sure not to overdo it in high-impact activities without proper protection.

🧑🏻‍⚕️ Choose an Experienced Dental Implant Specialist

A dental implant is only as good as the professional who places it.

An experienced oral surgeon or dental implant specialist will ensure your implant placement is precise, your osseointegration process is smooth, and your gum tissue integration is solid.

  • Ask questions about your surgeon’s training, experience, and success rates.
  • Don’t be afraid to request before-and-after photos of their previous dental implant procedures.
  • Check reviews to see what their patient’s say about them. 

Consult Our Dental Implant Specialists in San Francisco!

Dental implants are a permanent solution for tooth replacement, but they require commitment.

Take good care of your implants and visit your dentist regularly. With proper care, your dental implants can provide a smile that lasts a lifetime.

To book an appointment at our dentist office in San Fransico, CA, call (415) 986-4534 or complete our online inquiry form. We are located at 490 Post St. Suite 520.

FAQs about Dental Implants

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants can last a lifetime, but the way you take care of them will impact their longevity greatly. The crown may need replacement every 10–15 years, but the implant itself is meant to last a lifetime.

Does insurance cover dental implants?

Insurance coverage for implants varies. Some plans cover part of the cost if it’s deemed medically necessary, while others do not. Check with your insurance provider and dental office for details.

What happens to dental implants after 20 years?

After 20 years, if well cared for, implants remain stable. The implant post usually lasts a lifetime, but the crown may need replacement due to wear or damage. Regular check-ups are essential to maintain everything.

Post Street Dental Group

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Tuesday - 8:00AM - 7:00PM
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