How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

If you’re looking for a permanent solution to your smile, dental implants may be an option you’ll want to consider if your dentist says you’re a good candidate for them. Not only do they potentially last a lifetime, but they also only require as much maintenance as your real teeth do. But how long do they really last?

What are dental implants?

If you’ve ever wondered what a dental implant is, the FDA (U.S. Food & Drug Administration), defines them as “medical devices surgically implanted into the jaw to restore a person’s ability to chew or their appearance. They provide support for artificial (fake) teeth, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures.” Dental implants are made of three parts, the implant, the abutment, and the crown.

Implant – Made of titanium or zirconia, this is the post that is surgically embedded into your jawbone and serves as the root for the crown.

Abutment – This part is fastened to the implant and holds the crown in place.

Crown – The false tooth, usually made from ceramic, that is mounted on the abutment and looks and functions as a natural tooth would.

How long do dental implants last?

The screws for dental implants could potentially last a lifetime if you take care of them just as you would your normal teeth with regular brushing and flossing and regular 6 month check ups at the dentist. The crown portion of the implant, or the false tooth, may need to be replaced every 10-15 years due to natural wear and tear. However, if you take excellent care of your implants, they could potentially last way beyond 15 years.

How much do dental implants cost?

There is no set answer to this question since every patient is different. The general range for implants is on average $5,000 for one tooth to around $50,000 for a whole set. If you decide to get implants, they will be customized to you, and your dentist will go over specifics in things like cost, procedure, and recovery time.