When someone requires a dental implant for their missing tooth, their first question is typically “how long do dental implants last?”. That makes sense. Nobody wants to pay for a dental implant if it’s not going to last, especially when you consider the lengthy process that goes into evaluating the patient’s mouth and then installing one or more dental implants.

Don’t worry. We’ve put together a guide so that you know absolutely everything that contributes to how long your dental implants are going to last. 

This article does everything needed to address the question of “how long do dental implants last”.

So how long do dental implants last?

The short answer is a long time.

Seriously, well-maintained dental implants have a habit of lasting decades at worst, and the rest of your life at best. 

These dental implants are built to last, consisting of three high quality parts:

  • A titanium implant is a small post that is secured in place of the old tooth’s root during implant surgery. It provides a secure anchor to support the dental crown. If properly cared for, the titanium post can last a lifetime.
  • An abutment which screws into the implant base and connects it to the crown. The top of the abutment sits above the patient’s gum line.
  • The crown is the only part of the dental implant you can see after implant surgery is complete. The crown is crafted from resin, porcelain, ceramic, metal, or porcelain fused to metal to look and function like a natural tooth.

However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t steps that you can take in order to help preserve your dental implants (which we will list below).

What are the benefits of long lasting dental implants?

Not only are dental implants long lasting and free from decay, they also have a host of other benefits;

  • Thanks to dental implants in Melbourne, you can smile again! Dental implants look like your other teeth, so you can stop feeling self-conscious because no one will know that you have artificial teeth.
  • You can start eating hard food again as dental implants can withstand greater biting pressure than traditional dentures.
  • Dental implants help prevent jawbone loss, and a ‘sunken’ facial expression.
  • Dental implants Melbourne are much more comfortable than dentures
  • Once dental implants are in they are fixed and do not need to be taken in and out.

What can I do to help my dental implants last?

That’s right, we brought that up earlier, didn’t we? It turns out that there are many important steps you can take in order to ensure the longevity of your dental implants. These methods are simple, especially when you consider how you already employ them for your overall dental health anyway. 

Communicate with your dentist during the appointments

Like with any medical procedure, communication is key. No two people have the same body, so it is important to communicate with your dentist throughout the process in order to ensure that they can tailor your dental implants to your mouth. 

If you are experiencing any problems such as discomfort or pain with your dental implants, keep your dentist informed so they can respond accordingly.

Stop smoking

This is one of the greatest risks for implant-related complications. Smoking after receiving dental implants can impair the healing and lead to bone loss. I can also contribute to peri-implantitis, which is an inflammation of the surrounding implant tissues and ultimately lead to implant failure.

Maintain oral hygiene

It sounds obvious, but you have to keep up the same standards for your oral hygiene if you want your dental implant to remain in a good shape like the rest of your teeth. Of course, these steps are simple, as they already likely make up a significant part of your daily oral care routine already.

  • Brush and floss thoroughly the area where your teeth and implants are
  • Rinse your mouth with a mouthwash
  • Avoid toothpaste that contains abrasive ingredients like baking soda as it can remove the glaze on your implants

Consult your dentist regularly

Ideally, you want to regularly consult your dentist every 3-6 months, even if you have no problems. Peri-implantitis can remain silent for a long time, and early detection is the key to get it under control.

Where can I go for high quality dental implants that will last in Northern Melbourne?

Greenvale Dental Group in Melbourne’s northern suburbs (Australia) can provide a dentistry implant that isn’t too expensive. Whether you’re looking for a dentistry implant to replace a single tooth or a row of teeth, we can discuss a suitable dentistry implant procedure for you.

Our Dental Practice in Australia specialises in more than just a dental implant. We also cover various dental disciplines such as:

We are known for our high quality dental implant work and affordable dental implants cost. Our have patients visit our clinic from Greenvale and surrounding suburbs like Craigieburn, Tullamarine, Pascoe Vale, Airport West, Melbourne Airport, Mickleham, Oaklands Junction, Attwood, Roxburgh Park, Meadow Heights, Westmeadows, Campbellfield and Donnybrook.