How long do dental implants last?

How long do dental implants last? 5 years after receiving dental implants

There is a public perception that dental implants last just 5 years. This perception is wrong and deters many people from receiving the treatment that they need. So how long do dental implants last?
Dental implants have changed the lives of many people who have lost teeth for various reasons and have a second chance to restore a normal routine in relation to eating and speaking. It is possible to enjoy the advantages of the dental implant for many years by carefully maintaining the new tooth, to keep it clean and healthy in the long term.

Why must the implant be maintained?

Irrespective of the obvious reason – not wanting to lose it all, after investing so much time and money to get a new tooth – an implant is much more sensitive than a natural tooth. This is due to the fact that the base of an implant is very different than the base of a natural tooth, which benefits from certain protections. This makes the implant more vulnerable to the development of gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). If the inflammation spreads and gets out of control, it may result in the loss of the implant, which nobody is interested in experiencing.

How to maintain a dental implant in the long term?

Maintenance of a dental implant is divided into two key periods: maintenance immediately after installation of the implant, and long-term maintenance for years ahead. In this article, we explain how to maintain it for the long term, i.e., from the time the dentist confirms that the implant has successfully integrated.

Maintaining a dental implant for the long term can be divided into three key aspects:

1. Adherence to daily hygiene – Make sure to brush your teeth twice a day, and incorporate additional means into the process besides the toothbrush, such as the use of mouthwash and dental floss. When brushing, pay special attention to cleaning the transition between the edge of the gums and the crown, because that is where potential inflammation may start.
2. Periodic visits to the dental hygienist – To make the cleaning of the area more efficient, in addition to daily cleaning at home, it is strongly recommended to refer to a hygienist for treatment every 3-4 months. The hygienist has the knowledge and tools necessary to remove plaque and tartar from areas that are difficult to reach on your own. This is also an opportunity to check whether your efforts at home have paid off – if serious bleeding occurs during the treatment, it is a sign that cleaning is insufficiently effective. In such a case, ask the dental hygienist to guide you on how to improve.
3. A periodic examination by the dentist – It is recommended to visit a dentist every 6 to 12 months to make sure that the implant, in particular, is healthy, and to verify the health of the teeth and mouth in general.
4. A healthy lifestyle – If you want to increase the implant’s chances of survival, this is the time to adopt a healthy lifestyle and quit smoking. The reason for this is that nicotine weakens the healing ability of the gums, which makes it easier for inflammation to develop and endangers the health of the implant.

How long do dental implants last?

Some dental implants, 3-5 percent, are rejected by the body within up to half a year after implantation due to a range of causes. If the implant is successfully integrated and is carefully maintained, you can enjoy it for many, many years. While there are cases in which after 7-10 years implants must be renewed, there are patients who had implants installed 15-20 years ago that are holding up very well. There are many factors that affect long-term implant survival, such as correct maintenance of the mouth, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and even genetics.

At Dr. Yigal Balan’s clinic, patients enjoy a warranty on their implant even after the implantation process has been completed. For further information about the warranty, contact the clinic.

Following these instructions carefully will ensure that your dental implants will continue to function well in the long term during chewing and speaking; and no less importantly, will allow you to have a beautiful, aesthetic smile. Have questions about the maintenance of dental implants or the warranty provided for the treatment? You are invited to consult the dental team at Dr. Yigal Balan’s Clinic.