How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
If you’re thinking about getting dental implants, it’s natural to wonder: How long do they actually last? Are they permanent? Will they outlive a bridge or denture? And most importantly—can they last forever?
Let’s break it down in simple terms so you know exactly what to expect, whether you’re getting just one implant or planning a full-arch dental implant procedure.
Are Dental Implants Permanent?
Kind of, yes—and kind of, no.
The implant itself—the titanium post that’s placed into your jawbone—is designed to be permanent. Once it fuses with the bone (a process called osseointegration), it becomes part of your jaw, just like a natural tooth root.
But the crown, bridge, or denture that sits on top of that implant? That’s the part that usually wears down over time. Like tires on a car, it may need replacement after 10–15 years due to regular use.
So, if you take care of your implant properly, the post can last 20 years, 30 years, or more. In fact, many people go their whole lives without ever needing to replace it.
How Long Do Different Types of Dental Implants Last?
Not all implants are the same—and neither is their lifespan. The type of implant you get depends on how many teeth you’re replacing, how much bone you have, and your overall oral health. If you’re not sure which kind is right for you, check out this guide to the types of dental implants.
Here’s a quick overview of the most common types and how long they typically last:
Single-Tooth Implants
These replace one missing tooth with one implant and one crown—simple, strong, and incredibly durable.
Lifespan: 20+ years (many last a lifetime)
Why they last: The post is stable and supports just one crown, which can be replaced if it wears down.
Pro tip: Replace the crown when needed, but the post will likely stay solid for life.
Implant-Supported Bridges
If you’re missing several teeth in a row, this option uses two or more implants to hold up a bridge that spans the gap.
Lifespan: 15–25 years
Why they last: Fewer implants support multiple teeth, which spreads out pressure nicely.
Heads-up: If one implant fails, the entire bridge may need rework. Keep up with cleaning underneath!
All-on-4 (Full-Arch Implants)
This is a full-arch restoration using just four implants to support a fixed set of teeth. It’s ideal for patients missing all upper or lower teeth.
Lifespan: 10–20+ years
Why they last: Strategic placement of 4 implants supports a full row of teeth.
Worth noting: The bridge may need touch-ups (like denture tooth replacement) every 10–15 years.
Want to learn more? Here’s a deeper dive into All-on-4 implants in Washington and the typical costs involved.
Mini Dental Implants
These are thinner and shorter than traditional implants, often used for stabilizing dentures or replacing smaller teeth.
Lifespan: 6–12 years
Why they’re different: Smaller size means easier placement, but they don’t handle stress as well long-term.
Best for: Stabilizing lower dentures or replacing small teeth—not heavy-duty chewing.
Zygomatic Implants
Used when the upper jaw lacks enough bone for traditional implants, these anchor into the cheekbone instead.
Lifespan: 10–15+ years
Why they’re unique: They anchor into the cheekbone—great for patients with severe bone loss.
Used when: Traditional implants aren’t an option in the upper jaw.
Subperiosteal Implants
These rest on top of the jawbone under the gum, rather than being anchored into the bone. They’re now rare but may still be used in extreme bone loss cases.
Lifespan: 5–10 years (sometimes longer with modern tech)
Reality check: These are rare now. They sit on the bone, not in it, and are usually a last-resort option.
Can Dental Implants Last Forever?
Short answer? Yes, they can—but they don’t always.
Plenty of implants have lasted 30+ years. Some studies show success rates of over 90% even after 15 years. But like anything in your body, your results will depend on how well you care for it.
Think of it this way: The implant post is like the foundation of a house—built to last. The crown is like the roof—it might need replacing eventually.
What Affects How Long a Dental Implant Lasts?
Here’s what really makes a difference:
Your Oral Hygiene
Brush, floss, and show up for checkups. Plaque buildup around implants can cause something called peri-implantitis, which is just a fancy way of saying gum infection around your implant. Left untreated, it can lead to bone loss and failure.
Smoking
Bad news: Smoking doubles your risk of implant failure. It slows healing and raises the chance of infection.
Good news: Quitting—even just before and after surgery—improves your chances significantly.
Here’s a closer look at the risks of smoking with dental implants.
Bone Quality
The better the bone, the better the long-term results. That’s why we often do 3D scans before recommending any implant—just to be sure your jawbone can support it.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
If you clench or grind your teeth, you’ll put a lot of stress on the implant. It’s fixable with a night guard—but left untreated, bruxism can shorten your implant’s lifespan.
Health Conditions (like Diabetes or Osteoporosis)
Uncontrolled diabetes and low bone density can slow healing or reduce success rates—but with good medical management, many people with these conditions still enjoy long-lasting implants.
If you’re managing diabetes, this guide on diabetes and dental implants breaks down what to expect.
How to Make Your Implants Last Longer
Want your dental implant to go the distance? Good news—it doesn’t take anything fancy. Just a few consistent habits can make the difference between an implant that lasts 5 years and one that lasts 25.
Brush Twice a Day and Floss Like It Matters (Because It Does)
Implants may be artificial, but the gums and bone around them are very real. Bacteria and plaque can still build up around the implant just like with natural teeth. Left alone, that buildup can lead to peri-implantitis—a gum infection that weakens the bone supporting your implant.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the implant crown. Floss daily, especially around the gumline. If regular floss feels tricky (especially around bridges or All-on-4), consider interdental brushes or a water flosser to get the job done.
Visit Your Dentist at Least Twice a Year
Your dentist doesn’t just check if your crown is still pretty—they look for early signs of trouble you might miss. A quick exam can catch inflammation, bone loss, or loose components before they become expensive problems.
If you have a history of gum disease or had full-arch implants placed, your dentist may recommend cleanings more often (every 3–4 months instead of 6).
Avoid Smoking or Tobacco Use
Smoking is one of the biggest reasons implants fail early. It slows down healing, reduces blood flow to your gums, and creates a dry environment where bacteria thrive.
If you’re planning to get implants, consider this your golden window to quit. Even stopping a few weeks before and after surgery improves your body’s ability to integrate the implant and lowers the risk of complications.
Wear a Night Guard If You Grind Your Teeth
Clenching and grinding—especially while you sleep—puts serious pressure on your implants and can lead to cracked crowns, loosened screws, or even implant failure over time.
A custom night guard helps absorb that force, protecting both your implants and natural teeth. Your dentist can fit you for one that’s comfortable and easy to wear at night.
Keep Your Overall Health in Check
Chronic conditions like diabetes or osteoporosis don’t automatically disqualify you from implants—but they do need to be managed well. Uncontrolled blood sugar can increase infection risk, while poor bone density can make implants harder to stabilize.
If you’re on Medicaid, you may be able to access implant-related services through Apple Health Medicaid dental coverage in Washington.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools
Opening packages, biting fingernails, or chewing on pens might seem harmless—but they can chip or crack even the strongest implant crown. Treat your implants like natural teeth: they’re for food, not fixing zipper bags.
Final Thoughts: Are Tooth Implants a Long-Term Solution?
Absolutely. When placed properly and well-maintained, dental implants offer one of the longest-lasting solutions in modern dentistry. Whether you’re replacing one tooth or a whole arch, they’re built to stay with you for the long haul.
So while the crown or denture may eventually need a refresh, the titanium post? That’s the part that can truly stand the test of time.
If you’re considering implants, btyDENTAL has you covered.
We have multiple locations across Washington, each offering expert care, 3D diagnostics, and a compassionate team ready to guide you every step of the way:
Tacoma, WA
Sumner, WA
Puyallup, WA
Lynnwood, WA
Federal Way, WA
DuPont, WA
Bonney Lake, WA
Bellevue, WA
Book your consultation at the location closest to you—and let’s build a smile that’s better than yesterday!
