Treatments 3 min read
How Long Do Dental Implants Last? Care Tips to Make Them Last
Dental implants can last many years with care. Here is what hospital guidance reports about success over time, and what helps keep an implant healthy.
This guide relates to our dental implants treatment.
What the evidence says about implant lifespan
Dental implants are a long-term option, according to MouthHealthy. The dental implants we place in Multan are planned to last for many years, but no one can promise a lifetime for a single implant.
A Leeds NHS leaflet reports that about 90% of implants placed 10 years ago are still present and functional today. Cambridge University Hospitals reports success of 80 to 95% over 15 years in patients with healthy mouths, and lower results in patients with gum disease. These are figures from hospital guidance, not promises for any one person.
Why some implants last longer than others
The gums and the bone around an implant affect its long-term result. Cambridge reports lower success where there is gum disease, so keeping the gums healthy is one of the main things you can influence.
Smoking slows healing and can affect long-term success. Uncontrolled diabetes can interfere with healing, and some medicines can too, according to MouthHealthy. Telling us about your health and habits at the start helps us plan for them.
Daily care that helps
Brush twice a day and clean around the implant as we show you. Pay particular attention to the line where the crown meets the gum, because that is where plaque tends to collect. Use the interdental cleaning method we recommend for the spaces next to the implant.
Avoid chewing very hard things such as ice or nut shells, which can chip a crown and place extra load on the implant.
Checkups and warning signs
Regular checkups let us look at the gums, the bite and the crown, and to spot early problems. Contact us if the implant feels loose, the gum bleeds or swells around it, or pain comes back after healing.
Signs that an implant needs checking
Most implants do not give warning signs until a problem is well developed, which is why regular checkups matter. Some signs should prompt a visit sooner, rather than waiting for the next appointment.
| Sign | What to do |
|---|---|
| The implant or crown feels loose or moves | Contact us promptly, rather than waiting for the next checkup |
| Gum bleeding, swelling or discharge around the implant | Book a checkup, because this can be a sign of inflammation |
| Pain that returns after healing | Contact us, so the cause can be checked with an X-ray |
| A cracked or loose crown | Book a visit, and we will check whether it can be repaired or needs replacing |
What to expect at each checkup
At a checkup we look at the gums around the implant, check the bite on the crown, and clean the area. An X-ray is taken when needed to look at the bone around the implant, because bone changes can be seen on an X-ray before they are felt.
The interval between checkups is set by your dentist for your own mouth. Tell us if you have had gum disease, smoke, or have a condition such as diabetes, because these can mean more frequent checks.
How cleaning differs around an implant
An implant cannot decay like a natural tooth, but the gum around it can become inflamed if plaque builds up. Brush twice a day with a soft brush, and clean around the implant and under any bridge with the method we show you.
Ask us which interdental brushes or floss suit the spaces around your implant. Good cleaning is one of the most useful things you can do to keep an implant healthy.
This article is general information. Please see a dentist for advice about your own teeth.
Frequently asked questions
Do implants ever need replacing?
Some do, over time, if the implant fails or the crown wears. Regular checks catch most problems early, which gives the best chance of keeping the implant.
Can an implant get decay?
The implant itself does not decay like a natural tooth, but the gum around it can become inflamed if it is not cleaned well. Good cleaning and checkups help prevent that.
Does smoking shorten the life of an implant?
Smoking slows healing and can affect long-term success. Stopping before and after surgery gives the implant the best chance.
Can I skip a checkup if my implant feels fine?
It is better not to. Gum inflammation can be present without pain, and checkups catch problems early when they are simpler to treat.
Does an implant need a special toothpaste?
A normal fluoride toothpaste is usually suitable. Ask us which products suit your implant and gums.
What should I do if my crown breaks?
Contact us and avoid chewing on that side until we see you. We will check whether the crown can be repaired or needs replacing.
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