How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental Implant diagram at Oregon Periodontics, P.C.

At Oregon Periodontics, P.C., we provide dental implants as a treatment option for replacing missing teeth. This revolutionary treatment provides several benefits. Along with looking, and functioning, just like your natural teeth, implants are very comfortable and easy to take care of. One of their greatest benefits is that they stop and prevent bone loss in your jaw. During your initial consultation, we can answer any questions that you might have regarding implants and the implant procedure. One of the most common questions we receive is in regards to the lifespan of dental implants. They are meant to be a long-term solution, but just what does this mean?

Dental Implant Components

There are three components of dental implants.

•	The titanium posts. The titanium post is the piece that is implanted into your jawbone. As you heal from surgery, your bone fuses to the post, stabilizing it within your jaw. After you have healed, it then becomes the root that supports your crown.
•	The abutment. The abutment is placed on the exposed end of the post. It is the connector that provides stability for the crown.
•	The crown. The crown, typically made from ceramic, is the part of the whole implant that replaces the visible part of your missing tooth. It enables you to bite, chew, and speak as well as restores the appearance of your smile.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants are a long-term solution for tooth loss. In fact, they are designed to be a permanent solution. After the posts are placed inside your jaw, the bone begins to fuse to them in a process known as osseointegration. This process stabilizes the posts in your jaw, turning them into strong, stable roots that support your replacement teeth. The posts also stimulate your jawbone just like the roots of your natural teeth. This stops and prevents bone loss in the jaw, protecting the integrity of your jaw. Only dental implants provide this benefit.

While traditional treatments restore the functions of your missing teeth and the appearance of your smile, they cannot provide stimulation for the jawbone. As a result, the bone continues to weaken and change shape, leading to the need for replacements every few years. This is not the case with dental implants. While dental implants are made to be a permanent solution to tooth loss, the ceramic crowns used to replace the visible sections of your missing teeth typically have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years with proper care and normal daily use. They can, sometimes, last longer. If you do need to have a crown replaced, it can be done easily without the need to replace the posts in your jaw.

What Can Affect the Lifespan of Your Implants?

Even though implants are made to last a lifetime, there are factors that can affect how long they last.

•	Certain health issues. Issues such as diabetes or cancer can increase the likelihood of implant failure.
•	Where the implants are placed. Implants in the back of the jaw experience greater pressure from stronger bite forces. These forces can, in some instances, wear away at the supporting bone.
•	Poor tooth alignment. A poorly aligned jaw, or misaligned natural teeth, can lead to excessive pressure that can wear away your jawbone.
•	Facial trauma. A facial injury can affect the jawbone and the integrity of your implants.
•	Poor oral hygiene. While ceramic crowns do not decay, they can still collect plaque and bacteria. These can contribute to gum disease. If bacteria travel below the gum line, they can attack the bone, causing the implants to become unstable.

Dental implants are a long-term solution for tooth loss that can, with proper care, last a lifetime. If you are interested in learning more about dental implants, call Oregon Periodontics, P.C. today at (503) 575-7750.

Benefits of

Oregon Periodontics PC

Comfortable operatory experience

Excellent results due to enhanced vision & precision

Rapid healing & minimal discomfort

See our smile gallery

Office Hours
Tuesday–Thursday
8:00 AM–3:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM–12:00 PM

Location
11786 Southwest Barnes Rd Suite 210
Portland, OR 97225-5925

Contact
Office: (503) 575-7750
Fax: (503) 531-3560

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