This Article Has Been Medically Reviewed By Our Surgeons
At MOSAIC – Maxillofacial Surgical Arts & Implant Centers, one of the most common questions regarding dental implants is how long they last. Generally speaking, dental implants are designed to remain a permanent part of your smile, lasting as long as they can stay healthy. However, when discussing the longevity of dental implants, it is important to think of them as three pieces that make a whole.
What Are Dental Implants?
The three pieces of a dental implant are the implant screw, abutment, and crown. The implant screw is the titanium piece that is directly inserted into the bone of your jaw and becomes fused to the bone through a process called osseointegration. The abutment, sometimes referred to as the connector, is placed on or built into the screw. This then connects the crown to the implant screw, completing the dental implant.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
While the implant screw—the piece that becomes fused to your jaw bone—is designed to be permanent, the crown that is attached to it may need to be replaced. In our experience, most crowns need to be replaced after 15 to 20 years.
However, if you are considering dental implants and are concerned about how long they will last, it is important to take a few factors into consideration.
Even though the implant may be designed to last 10 years or more, this may be compromised if you do not have a healthy mouth, as the implant may not integrate properly.
Furthermore, after receiving your dental implant, it is especially important to follow your oral surgeon’s after care procedures.
At MOSAIC – Maxillofacial Surgical Arts & Implant Center, our experienced surgeons often recommend the following to our dental implant patients:
- Implement good hygiene habits
- Prioritize routine trips to the dentist
- Quit all tobacco products
- Avoid chewing on ice and other hard objects
- Address teeth grinding
Making certain your mouth is healthy enough for the dental implants to integrate optimally is key to ensuring their longevity.
Real Patient Results
View our before and after images to see the results real patients have received.
View Before And After Images
Learn More About Dental Implants
If you have questions about dental implants or are looking for dental implants in the Tampa area, the highly-trained surgeons at MOSAIC- Maxillofacial Surgical Arts & Implant Centers are here to help. Learn more about dental implants on our dedicated dental implants page. We are here to help you achieve a beautiful smile.
