Dental Implants |4 min read

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

An older couple smiling showing off their dental implants

Missing teeth. It affects your quality of life beyond having a gapped smile. It:

  • Prevents you from smiling
  • Deters you from showing your inner confidence
  • Makes it difficult to eat
  • Causes your existing teeth to shift
  • Results in bone loss
  • Creates a sunken facial look, making you look older

But, it doesn’t have to be that way.

Dental implants restore your smile and lift your facial structure to give you your confidence back with a renewed sense of youthfulness.

But you’re probably wondering, “how long do dental implants last?”

In this blog, we’ll discuss the most common questions people ask about dental implants, including how long they last, the cost, and more.

How many years do dental implants last?

With proper oral care, including brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing, and visiting your dentist at least every six months, dental implants can last anywhere between 10 to 30 years.

The crown can last between 10 to 15 years before needing a replacement. However, you can extend its lifespan with great oral hygiene.

The location of your dental implant also predicts how long your dental implant will last. Implants in the back of your mouth are used more when chewing, so it’s more likely that they’ll wear out a bit faster than implants towards the front of your mouth.

Dental implants provide the long-term solution to replace missing teeth… This text opens the Colgate Dental Implant article a new tab …, restore broken ones, and support both removable and permanent teeth. They require the same care as normal teeth and help maintain the structure of your jaw.

How much do dental implants cost?

The average cost of a dental implant can range from $900 to $2500, and the abutment and crown can be an additional $500 to $3000.

Dental implants are considered restorative dentistry and may be partially covered by insurance.

They’re a lifelong investment, and you want to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth. Paying for low-quality implants may lead to complications and possibly have to be modified again.

Our Seattle dentists have extensive training and use innovative technology to ensure your implants are high quality and will last a lifetime. At Love Your Smile, we prioritize our patients and work with you to meet your timeline and budget.

How long does the dental implant procedure take?

Implants can take some time to bond with your jawbone, and the healing process may vary from patient to patient. On average, it can take anywhere from six to eight months.

There are three major steps to your dental implants after your initial consultation. A CT scanner will be used to assess the placement of your implants for more accurate results.

  • Step 1: A biocompatible titanium post, the implant, resembles your tooth root and is fused with your jaw to securely attach a replacement tooth or teeth.
  • Step 2: A small connector called an abutment links your implant to your new restoration.
  • Step 3: Your custom-made restoration is placed to reconstruct your smile. It could either be a crown, bridge, or denture.

Do dental implants hurt?

Many people report that dental implants don’t hurt!

Your dentist should address any concerns you may have and will work to ensure you’re completely comfortable before beginning your implant procedure.

Our dental team promises to eliminate your stress and pain as best we can during the implant placement. This can consist of local anesthesia or sedation dentistry.

In addition, our dentist’s advanced training and our office’s modern technology ensure high-quality services with minimized discomfort.

Everyone was friendly and efficient, all my questions were answered clearly, the work done by Dr. Lee was quick and practically pain-free. I was made to feel comfortable and personable!
Kathleen, 5-Star Google Review

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

There are a few factors that determine if you’re a candidate for dental implants. In general, if you have one or more missing teeth, you’re very likely to be a candidate.

Other factors include:

  • Age: Dental implants are usually recommended for individuals whose facial growth and development have finished. This can be around 16 years old for girls and around 18 years old for boys.
  • Health: Your health plays a role in how well your body will respond to dental implants. If you’re a heavy smoker, suffer from chronic disorders such as diabetes, or had radiation therapy in your head/neck area, you’ll need to be evaluated further by your dentist.
  • Bone amount: Dental implants require a certain amount of supportive bone around the jawbone area. You may need bone augmentation (or an alternative dental implant) if you don’t have the necessary amount.

No two patients are the same. Consulting with your dental provider will provide you with a personalized treatment plan.

Ready to smile with confidence and eat freely again?

Schedule your appointment today:

We proudly welcome all patients in the Greater Seattle area.