Dental implants are a remarkably durable tooth replacement solution. Their minimum lifespan (barring unforeseen accidents) is generally considered at least a decade. However, properly placed and maintained, implants frequently last 15-20 years, and sometimes even a lifetime!
The longevity of a dental implant depends on many case-specific factors, including:
- The precision of the implant placement
- The patient’s overall health and at-home oral hygiene and practices
- Lifestyle habits like smoking, chewing tobacco, biting fingernails, or chewing on hard objects like pens or ice
- Excessive clenching or grinding of the teeth while sleeping, or “bruxism.”
Why Are Dental Implants So Durable?
The durability of implants is attributed to their biocompatible materials (typically titanium or zirconia), their resistance to corrosion, and their permanent integration with the jawbone. These materials provide a strong and stable foundation for replacement teeth.
It’s worth noting that while implants are designed to last forever, the restorations attached to them (often dental crowns) require periodic (usually infrequent) replacement due to wear and tear.
Precision Placed Dental Implants in Duncan, British Columbia
If you’re in the Duncan area and looking for a dedicated and patient-focused dental team to expertly guide you through the dental implant process, from initial consultation to precise placement to aftercare, contact Dr. Scott B. Stewart and the excellent Island Dental Health Care team to schedule a consultation!