More and more patients are turning to dental implants as a tooth replacement solution. Implants are valued by the patient and the implant dentist for being low maintenance and for looking like a natural tooth The success rate of dental implants for most patients is 95 percent or higher, with success being defined as an implant that lasts more than five years – but do they last even longer?

With proper care, a dental implant can last 25 years or longer. The technology is still fairly new, so there is not a great deal of documentation of implants that have been in place longer than that. One of the biggest determining factors in the lifespan of an implant is good oral hygiene – patients must brush and floss daily in order to keep the surrounding teeth and gum tissue healthy.

Along with good oral hygiene, the placement of the implant can affect longevity. Back molars receive more wear and tear than other teeth in the front of the mouth, so implants that replace molars may have a shorter life. Patients that do not grind their teeth (a condition also known as bruxism) may have longer-lasting molar implants than those that do.

A patient’s overall health can also affect the longevity of a dental implant – patients who are in good health when they receive the implant and who remain in good health are more likely to maintain their implants for decades. Non-smokers also have lower failure rates than smokers. Having them placed by an experienced implant dentist can also help ensure they last as long as possible.

Implant technology has come a long way since its inception. Implant dentists are using more and more durable materials and increasingly reliable methods. Patients who maintain good oral habits, don’t smoke, and who follow their implant dentist’s post-operative instructions can have implants that last two or more decades. Call our Denver office at 303-832-7789 for more information and to schedule your visit.