Dental implants are an ideal, long-term solution for missing teeth! They resemble natural teeth in appearance, function, strength and maintenance – and are a more permanent alternative to dentures.
Dental implants are considered a permanent dental treatment, but can they last a lifetime without replacing? Here’s everything you need to know!
Do dental implants need to be replaced?
With proper care and maintenance and regular check-ins with your dentist and periodontist, an implant screw (the screw that is embedded into the jaw bone to hold the dental crown) can last a lifetime!
Can a crown be replaced?
The implant crown (the piece that is attached to the screw and resembles your natural tooth) does require replacement due to wear and tear after about 15 years. With exceptional maintenance, an implant crown can last upwards of 25 years.
Why would you need a dental implant crown replacement?
While dental implants will need to be replaced every 15 years on average due to natural wear and tear from eating, a dental implant crown may need to be replaced earlier for any of these reasons:
- Cracked or chipped crown due to an accident or biting down on something inedible that causes damage
- Bruxism: clenching and grinding your jaw habitually
- Poor oral hygiene that causes infection or deterioration in the gums
- Unhealthy habits, like smoking and drinking, which can cause implant failure and require the entire implant to be replaced
- The implant is located toward the back of the teeth, which naturally incur more damage from chewing and eating than the front teeth
What is the process of replacing a dental implant?
If you require a dental crown replacement, you’ll start with an initial exam from one of our highly-experienced periodontal specialists, Dr. Stilley, Dr. Mashkouri or Dr. Medina. Your doctor will assess your implant, including the crown, abutment (piece that connects the crown to the screw implant), and the screw.
Your periodontist will determine whether the abutment needs replacing as well, in case it’s broken or was damaged along with the crown. Then, we may take impressions of your teeth in order to create replacement implant crowns.
You may have a temporary crown placed on your dental implant until your permanent crowns are ready. You will then visit us for your periodontist to replace your temporary crown(s) with permanent crown(s).
Once your dental implant crown is replaced, you’ll be back to eating, speaking and smiling as normal!
How do I know if dental implants are right for me?
If you’re missing one tooth or multiple teeth and you’re hoping to restore your natural smile but don’t want to wear a denture or bridge, dental implants could be the perfect solution!
Dental implants are the closest thing to natural teeth. They connect to your jawbone to prevent them from moving out of place, and they function identically to natural teeth. You can continue your typical dental health routine with implants; they don’t require specialized flossers or cleansing tablets. They’re designed to support your facial structure and give you a second chance at a beautiful, healthy smile.
If you’re still debating whether dental implants are right for you, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with us to discuss your needs and help you make the best decision for your smile.
Still have questions about dental implant replacements?
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions! Our team is more than happy to discuss dental implants or any of our treatments, techniques or technologies with you.
When you visit us for your first appointment, we’ll explain everything to you, including your current condition, the dental implant procedure, and what you can expect in the future.
At Periodontal Health Center, we believe that a healthy mouth is a healthy body. We are proud to be a leading periodontist in Tampa and New Port Richey. Schedule your appointment today!
