How Long Do Dental Implants and Crowns Last?

How Long Do Dental Implants and Crowns Last?

How Long Do Dental Implants and Crowns Last?

When it comes to replacing a missing tooth, dental implants are one of the best alternatives in terms of quality and durability. Replacements can help prevent future tooth loss.

At Brown Family Dentistry, our expert dentists have experience performing premium surgery for dental implants. You can schedule a consultation with us to see if you are the right fit to receive a dental implant.

One of the most common questions we get asked about the procedure is how durable an implant is. The answer to that question is complex, so let’s break it down.

Dental implants are composed of 3 parts: the post, the abutment, and the crown.

  • The post is the piece drilled into the bone to support the tooth. If properly placed and cared for, it should last a lifetime.
  • The abutment is attached to the post and is designed to hold the crown. It is also designed to last a lifetime.
  • The crown, the most commonly known piece, is the visible portion of the tooth. This needs to be replaced within 5 to 15 years since implanted.

While the post and abutment are supposed to last a lifetime, there are instances when this may not be the case. If these pieces were not properly placed or become loose due to injury or extreme wear, they will need to be removed and replaced.

If the post area is infected with peri-implantitis, it will also need to be replaced. Along with other issues like nerve and tissue damage, where implants are placing pressure on the sinus cavity.

As for the crown, because most of them are made with porcelain, resin, or metal, they can last up to 15 years with the proper care. The reason crowns don’t last a lifetime is because it is the part that is constantly being used through chewing or simply grinding teeth.

How do you know if your crown needs to be replaced?

If your crown gets cracked or damaged, you will need to schedule an appointment with us at Brown Family Dentistry or your local dentist to get it replaced before it causes damage to the rest of the implant.

Tips to help implants last longer

To help your dental implants last longer, you will need to take optimal care of your dental health. This includes:

  • Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush
  • Floss once a day between your teeth
  • Use antibacterial mouthwash to reduce plaque and bacteria
  • Avoid extremely hard foods
  • Attend regular dental exams and cleanings

At Brown Family Dentistry, we care to give you the highest quality of dental implants because your dental health is important to us. Schedule a consultation today to see if you’re the right fit for dental implants.

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