Implants: Can They Be Used for a Lifetime?

Are you wondering whether implants can be used for a lifetime? Many people are curious about how long implants last, and in reality, their lifespan can vary depending on several factors.

The lifespan of an implant depends on an individual’s oral health, maintenance, overall health, and more. With proper care and regular dental checkups, it may be possible to use an implant for a lifetime. However, saying that implants are semi-permanent is both true and false. If the implant is placed properly, regular maintenance is performed, and overall health conditions are all favorable, an implant can be used for a long time.

An implant consists of a screw (fixture) placed in the jawbone, an abutment, and the upper prosthesis. A properly placed implant should be surrounded by healthy alveolar bone and fitted with a well-matched prosthesis. If the prosthesis does not fit well, it can cause gum inflammation, which may lead to destruction of the alveolar bone. The height of the prosthesis is also important. If it is too high or too low, it can damage the surrounding teeth, so the process of using a provisional crown and replacing it with the final prosthesis is important.

Even a well-made prosthesis can wear down or break over time. Implants are attached to bone and do not move, but the surrounding teeth do move, so over time a gap may form between the implant and the front teeth. For this reason, there are cases where the prosthesis needs to be replaced. According to recent studies, the average lifespan of an implant prosthesis is about 8 years.

To use implants for a long time, regular checkups are very important. Through X-ray images, the condition of the implant and alveolar bone should be checked, and gum care must also be maintained consistently. Because implants do not have nerves, when pain appears, the problem is often already serious.

If the implant is placed well from the start, maintained through regular checkups, and supported by good general health habits, you will be able to use your implant well for a long time.

For the health of your teeth, Sek Plant Dental Hospital will always be with you!