How Long Do Dental Implant Posts Last?
Dental implants are quickly becoming the popular choice of tooth restoration over other options like dentures or bridges. They last a long time and are nearly identical to real teeth in feel, function, and appearance. To address the lifespan of a dental implant, it’s important to understand the elements of an implant first.
Elements of a Dental Implant
A dental implant consists of three main pieces:
Implant post. Made of titanium, the implant post is inserted into the patient’s jawbone and serves as the root for the prosthetic.
Abutment. This is a connector piece that is screwed onto the post to fasten it to the crown.
Prothesis. The prosthesis can be a single artificial crown, a bridge, or a whole set of teeth. These are commonly made of ceramic and mounted onto the abutment.
How Long Does the Implant Post Last?
Out of all the parts of a dental implant, the implant post is expected to last the longest because of what it’s made of: surgical-grade titanium, which fuses to the surrounding tissue through a process call osseointegration. Additionally, because it’s inside the jawbone, the post is not directly exposed to damage. Implant posts last an average of 25 years, or longer in many cases.
The other parts of a dental implant (the abutment and the prosthesis) usually have a shorter life than the implant post because they can become damaged from consistent daily use over the years. The abutment and prosthesis can last 10-15 years before needing to be replaced. Excellent dental hygiene can help extend the life of your dental implant.
For more information on dental implants, feel free to call or visit Hale Family Dentistry. We look forward to hearing from you!